Decision factors that determine choice of medical specialty amongst medical students, pre-vocational doctors, general practice registrars and general practitioners

Abstract

In seeking to answer the research question, “What are the Decision Factors that Determine Choice of Medical Specialty Amongst Medical Students, Prevocational Doctors, General Practice Registrars and General Practitioners?”, this qualitative research utilised in-depth interviews to provide a unique perspective in an intergenerational study that explored key factors impacting on choice of medical specialty. Findings confirm that money and prestige are not important and that work-life balance and professional satisfaction are key to influence decisions.