Factors influencing to study medicine: a survey of first-year medical students from India

Abstract

Purpose:Students joining medical studies may be motivated by many factors. However, there may also be some factors which may concern them. Although, it can be assumed that those joining medical studies would have largely been influenced positively, how the factors interact in different groups of students has not been studied adequately. Methods: We conducted a questionnaire-based survey in first-year medical students. Besides the demographics and intentions about their future career plans, students rated a list of positively influencing items and a list of negatively affecting items relevant to our context that influenced their decision. We performed factor analysis followed by clustering of study participants. Results: Ninety-seven students participated in the survey which comprised of 59% females with mean age of 18.6 years. The factors extracted were named as 'personal growth factor,' 'professional calling factor,' 'personal concerns factor,' and 'professional concerns factor.' Four distinct clusters of participants differing in their average ratings to each of the above factors were identified. Conclusion:This study provides information on the factors that influence students to join medical studies from an Indian context. The motivational patterns were varied in different sub-groups of students. The data obtained from this study may provide pointers to educators to plan training of students, changes in curricular structure that takes into account the expansion of medical education into specialties and beyond.

Seeking motivation for selecting Medical Profession as a Career Choice

“…A study conducted in Egypt by Kabil NS et al, 10 ranked prestige as the most highly considered motivational factor followed by financial security for choosing medical career. In an Indian study by Narayanasamy et al, 1 altruism was the most customary motivational factor among medical students (mean 4.26±0.9). Likewise, a Nepal based study by Torres-Roman et al, 11 reported altruism followed by prestige as major motivation in medical career selection.…”

“…Motivation is a psychological persuasion that involves a person’s eagerness or enthusiasm to endeavor a set goal at an expense of hard work and sacrifices. It is a prime mover of human behavior, a dynamic element 1 , a critical component of learning 2 , 3 , a psychological process that describes person’s willingness to use the best of his abilities to achieve a single aim. 1 Thus, motivation is a determining factor, an inner driving force of an individual to accomplish personal or organizational objective.…”

“…It is a prime mover of human behavior, a dynamic element 1 , a critical component of learning 2 , 3 , a psychological process that describes person’s willingness to use the best of his abilities to achieve a single aim. 1 Thus, motivation is a determining factor, an inner driving force of an individual to accomplish personal or organizational objective. On the whole, motivation is considered as a process which is evoked by a pertinent stimulus leading to extraordinary ability to achieve a goal.…”

“… 4 Motives and beliefs of medical students help accept the grueling training program easily. 1 Passion, motivation and professional expertise are a long suit for exceptional performance in a diverse field like medicine. 5 The ascendary of medical profession over other professions has made it the most wanted career choice.…”

What problems make students struggle during their undergraduate medical education? A qualitative exploratory study

“…In health professions education, motivation plays a significant role in the student’s academic performance as it is based on self-determination theory. 18 According to the theory, motivation is multi-dimensional construct depending upon self-determined and controlled behaviors in different environments. 19 Moreover, Internal regulation (intrinsic motivation) drives to pursue activity and is the most self-determined form of behavior which urges one to learn.…”