Factors and Determinants of Choosing Pathology as a Future Career: Results From a Multi-Institution Study

Abstract

BackgroundGlobally, less than 10% of graduating medical students select pathology as a future career. Many factors were reported from different settings to influence the choice of pathology. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that determine medical students' preferences in choosing pathology as a future career. MethodsThis cross-sectional study surveyed students from three governmental medical schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire that contained demographic questions and items that addressed perceived factors that affect the choice of pathology was distributed to medical students. Collected data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). A chi-square test was used to determine the association between independent variables and interest in pathology. ResultsOut of the 400 questionnaires distributed, 338 students completed the survey with a response rate of 84.5%. Overall, surgery (24%) and internal medicine (20%) were the most favored, specialties with only 5% of the students selecting pathology as their first choice. Patient-doctor interaction (72.2%) was perceived as the most important factor in not choosing pathology as a future career. Taking an elective course, younger age groups, and year in medical school were all significantly associated (p<0.001) with an interest in pathology. ConclusionIn this study, most of the students indicated surgery and internal medicine as their first specialty choices. Only 5% of the students chose pathology as their first choice. Two-thirds of medical students perceived pathologists do not interact with patients. A significant association was found between younger age groups, enrolling for a pathology course, and having an interest in pathology.

Medical Students’ Perception Towards Choosing Pathology Program at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia

“…A multi-institution investigation found just 5% of undergraduates declare pathology as their first choice in the future. 12 An online investigation provided that the percentage of undergraduate medical students who chose pathology as their first choice for a future residency program was only 0.7, even though 8.7% of them thought about it. 10 Comparing the findings of our investigation to similar international studies yielded several similarities.…”

“…The study questionnaire contains 20 questions and based on similar studies conducted previously. [9][10][11][12][13][14] The face validity of the instrument was assessed, and the instrument was reviewed by two pathologists. The developed questionnaire based on three major components.…”

“…5,6 Factors that influence career decisions have been reported from medical colleges around the globe and other parts of KSA. [2][3][4][5][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] The reason behind declining in applying to pathology program may be due to many reasons, including less patient interaction and the lack of visibility of Pathology as a discipline in the senior years, as well as the preference of medical students in choosing clinical specialties over Basic sciences where their perception as being Real doctors is overshadowed if they choose Pathology as a specialty.…”

Perceptions and Factors That Influence the Choice of Pathology as a Career Among Medical Students in Saudi Arabia

“…This lack of engagement results in limited comprehension of pathologists' roles, impact on patient management, lifestyle, and other pertinent considerations for career selection. Consequently, many students overlook pathology as a prospective field for their future endeavors [10]. International statistics have revealed that merely 1%-3% of medical school graduates from countries such as Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom opt for a career in pathology [11][12][13][14].…”

“…International statistics have revealed that merely 1%-3% of medical school graduates from countries such as Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom opt for a career in pathology [11][12][13][14]. In Saudi Arabia, studies conducted in Dammam and Riyadh have underscored similar trends, where only a minute fraction of medical students, ranging from 1.1% to 5%, express interest in pursuing pathology [10,15].…”