BackgroundApplying for medical school is the first and also one of the most important career choices a physician makes. It is important to understand the reasons behind this decision if we are to choose the best applicants for medical schools and enable them to pursue satisfying careers.MethodsRespondents to the Finnish Junior Physician 88, Physician 1998 and Physician 2008 studies were asked: “To what extent did the following factors influence your decision to apply for medical school?” In 1998 and 2008 the respondents were also asked: “If you were starting your studies now, would you start studying medicine?” and had to answer “Yes” or “No”. The odds ratios for the answer “No” were tested using logistic regression models.Results"Interest in people” was the main motive for starting to study medicine. “Good salary” and “Prestigious profession” were more important motives for males and “Vocation” and “Interest in people” for females. There were some significant changes in the motives for entering medicine in the 20-year period between studies. “Vocation” and “Wide range of professional opportunities” as important motives for entering medicine predicted satisfaction with the medical profession. DiscussionStrong inner motivation may indicate the ability to adapt to the demands of work as a physician.ConclusionsMedical schools should try to select those applicants with the greatest vocational inclination towards a medical career.

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Background: Choosing a medical specialty is an important element predefining a physician's career and life. Although there has been some research in this area of interest, there has not been much research where the profession has been researched as a whole, or where trend data over different generations has been presented. Aim: The aim of our study was to ascertain the motives affecting physicians' choice of a medical specialty. Methods: The study cohort comprised random sample of 7758 doctors who were registered in Finland during the years 1977-2006. Altogether 4167 questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 54%. An electronic questionnaire was used in data collection, supported by a traditional postal questionnaire. Results: Of the respondents, 76% thought the diversity of the field had affected their choices of specialty considerably or very much. For physicians under 35 years old, especially the good example set by colleagues (48%), and opportunities for career development (39%) were more important motives compared to those of older physicians. Conclusions: According to this study, diversity of the work is the main motivating factor affecting physicians' choices of specialty. Especially, younger physicians follow the example set by more experienced colleagues.

BackgroundIn Finland the number of medical specialists varies between specialties and regions. More regulation of the post-graduate medical training is planned. Therefore, it is important to clarify what predicts doctors’ satisfaction with their chosen specialty.MethodsA random sample contained 50 % of all Finnish doctors under 70 years of age. The respose rate was 50.5 %. Working-age specialists were asked to value their motives when choosing a specialty. They were also asked if they would choose the same specialty again. The odds ratios for not choosing the same specialty again were tested.ResultsDiversity of work was the most important motive (74 % of respondents). Seventeen percent of GPs would not choose the same specialty again, compared to 2 % of ophthalmologists and 4 % of pediatricians. A major role of Diversity of work and Prestigious field correlated with satisfaction whereas Chance with dissatisfaction with the specialty.DiscussionMotives and issues related to the work and training best correlate with satisfaction with the specialty.ConclusionsWhen the numbers of Finnish postgraduate medical training posts become regulated, a renewed focus should be given to finding the most suitable speciality for each doctor. Information about employment and career advice should play an important role in this.

The competencies required of a GP are complex and ever-expanding. GP training should adequately cover all the content areas. Objectives : The aim was to assess GPs ' and GP trainees ' satisfaction with their specialist training and with the contents of training. Trends in assessments over a ten-year period were investigated. Methods : Data from Finnish national surveys of physicians conducted in 1998, 2003 and 2008 were analysed with 606, 457 and 324 GPs and GP trainees respectively being sampled in the present study. Respondents were asked how satisfi ed they were with their own specialist training in general, and how much instruction they had received in 12 specifi c areas during their specialist training. Results : Satisfaction with GP training slowly increased during the study years. In 2008, 59% of respondents were satisfi ed with their training, compared to 46% in 1998. The best covered content area was clinical work. Major shortcomings were reported in many of the content areas analysed, e.g. management and leadership.Conclusion : Although the trend in satisfaction with GP training in Finland is for the better, there are shortcomings, especially in many of the non-clinical content areas of training. More attention needs to be paid to these areas in the future.