Comparative analysis of the results of foreign empirical studies of motivation of choice of profession in residency by medical students

Authors

  • Anastasia V. Rogacheva Federal State University of Education Author
  • Vadim V. Kiselev Russian State Social University image/svg+xml Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18255/1996-5648-2025-2-342-351

Keywords:

motivation, residency, medical students, foreign studies, international experience

Abstract

The article presents a theoretical analysis of foreign studies on the motivation of medical students in choosing a specialization in residency. The main objective is to conduct a comparative analysis of the results of empirical studies examining career choices after completing higher medical education. Personal, social, and cultural factors influencing these choices are considered, including family expectations, economic conditions, professional prospects, and work-life balance. The analysis is relevant in the context of the globalization of medical education and evolving healthcare system needs, highlighting the necessity of adapting educational programs. The study encompasses various approaches to residency choice in nine countries, including the USA, Saudi Arabia, Israel, India, Turkey, France, Switzerland, Oman, and Greece. The data analysis reveals key trends: decreasing interest in general practice, an increase in the number of specialized professionals, gender differences in career preferences, and the influence of academic achievements and family traditions. Socio-economic factors and career prospects play a significant role, particularly in the later stages of education. The findings emphasize the need for new career guidance strategies and educational program adjustments to enhance the appeal of less popular specialties, improve working conditions, and ensure equitable workforce distribution in healthcare. The conclusions of this study may inform the development of educational and professional programs aimed at improving the quality of medical specialist training.

Author Biographies

  • Anastasia V. Rogacheva, Federal State University of Education
    Postgraduate
  • Vadim V. Kiselev, Russian State Social University
    Доцент кафедры национальной безопасности, противодействия экстремизму и терроризму

References

Fritz E.M., van den Hoogenhof S., Braman J.P. Association between medical student debt and choice of specialty: a 6-year retrospective study // BMC Medical Education. 2019. Vol. 19, No. 1. P. 395. DOI 10.1186/s12909-019-1797-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-019-1797-2

Денисова О.В. Становление профессиональной идентичности студента-медика в образовательном процессе вуза: дис.. канд. психол. наук / ГОУ ВПО "Уральский государственный университет им А.М. Горького". Екатеринбург, 2008. 218 с. EDN NQHLZH

Клоктунова Н.А. Исследование факторов, влияющих на профессиональный выбор студентов в сфере медицинского образования: Международный опыт // Теория и практика общественного развития. 2013. № 9. С. 84-85. EDN RDIWTZ

Wang J., Yang С., Wang J., Sui X., Sun W., Wang Y. Factors affecting psychological health and career choice among medical students in eastern and western region of China after COVID-19 pandemic // Frontiers in Public Health. 2023. Vol. 11. Art. no. 1081360. DOI 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1081360 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1081360

Gillissen A., Kochanek T., Zupanic M., Ehlers J.P. Millennials Medical Students Generation at the Crosswalks: Motivations and Attitudes Towards Study and Future Career - A Mixed-Method Study // Advances in Medical Education and Practice. 2022. Vol. 13. P. 1305-1319. DOI 10.2147/amep.s368128 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/AMEP.S368128

Ferreira T., Collins A.M., French B., Fortescue A., Handscomb A., Plumb E., Bolton E., Feng O. Factors Affecting Specialty Training Preference Among UK Medical Students (FAST): Protocol for a National Cross-Sectional Survey // JMIR Research Protocols. 2024. Vol. 13. Art. no. e55155. DOI 10.2196/55155 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2196/55155

Ladha F.A., Pettinato A.M., Perrin A.E. Medical student residency preferences and motivational factors: a longitudinal, single-institution perspective // BMC Medical Education. 2022. Vol. 22, No. 1. P. 187. DOI 10.1186/s12909-022-03244-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-022-03244-7

Anand R., Sankaran P.S. Factors influencing the career preferences of medical students and interns: a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey from India // Journal of Educational Evaluation for Health Professions. 2019. Vol. 16. P. 12. DOI 10.3352/jeehp.2019.16.12 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3352/jeehp.2019.16.12

Azizzadeh A., McCollum C.H., Miller C.C., Holliday K.M., Shilstone H.C., Lucci A. Jr. Factors influencing career choice among medical students interested in surgery // Current Surgery. 2003. Vol. 60, No. 2. P. 210-213. DOI 10.1016/S0149-7944(02)00679-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0149-7944(02)00679-7

Schroeder H., Shacham A., Amar S.Comparison of medical students' considerations in choosing a specialty: 2020 vs. 2009/10 // Human Resources for Health. 2024. Vol. 22, No. 1. P. 5. DOI 10.1186/s12960-023-00885-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12960-023-00885-7

Alaqeel S.A., Alhammad B.K., Basuhail S.M., Alderaan K.M., Alhawamdeh A.T., Alquhayz M.F., Alzunaidi A.M., Alrashed F.A. Investigating factors that influence residency program selection among medical students // BMC Medical Education. 2023. Vol. 23, No. 1. P. 615. DOI 10.1186/s12909-023-04602-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04602-9

Lefevre J.H., Roupret M., Kerneis S., Karila L. Career choices of medical students: a national survey of 1780 students // Medical Education. 2010. Vol. 44, No. 6. P. 603-612. DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2923.2010.03707.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2923.2010.03707.x

Avgerinos E.D., Msaouel P., Koussidis G.A., Keramaris N.C., Bessas Z., Gourgoulianis K. Greek medical students' career choices indicate strong tendency towards specialization and training abroad // Health Policy. 2006. Vol. 79, No. 1. P. 101-106. DOI 10.1016/j.healthpol.2005.12.007 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthpol.2005.12.007

Weiss K., Di Gangi S., Inauen M., Senn O., Markun S. Changes in the attractiveness of medical careers and career determinants during the bachelor's program at Zurich medical schools // BMC Medical Education. 2024. Vol. 24, No. 1. P. 693. DOI 10.1186/s12909-024-05693-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05693-8

Yıldız M.S., Khan M.M. Factors affecting the choice of medical specialties in Turkiye: an analysis based on cross-sectional survey of medical graduates // BMC Medical Education. 2024. Vol. 24, No. 1. P. 373. DOI 10.1186/s12909-024-05349-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05349-7

Ajmi A.A., Kharusi F.S., Khamisi A.H. Prevalence of Career Indecision and Factors Influencing It Among Medical Students and Interns in Oman: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study // Cureus. 2024. Vol. 16, No. 7. Art. no. e63953. DOI 10.7759/cureus.63953 DOI: https://doi.org/10.24911/SJEMed.72-1710348619

Downloads

Published

2025-06-21

Issue

Section

Psychology