Reasons for choosing medical profession as a career / other purposes – a perspective of Pakistani undergraduate medical students.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the primary reasons for choosing a medical career, with a particular focus on the role of a medical profession in facilitating marriage prospects. The other objectives were Carrier choice and decision of post-graduation. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Medical Colleges across Pakistan. Period: October 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024. Methods: Data were collected randomly using a self-constructed Google form questionnaire based on a Likert scale. A total sample size of 270 participants was collected and was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: A total of 270 students were invited to participate in the study. Mean age of participants was 21.78 ± 2.42. Majority of the students were female 70.7 % (191) including 70 from public medical colleges and 121 from private medical colleges. 73.85% female agreed that medical degree facilitate marriage (P<0.00). 78 % study participant replied that career choice was done by themselves (P < 0.05). About 76 % were in favour of doing post-graduation. Conclusion: Medical education is a challenging yet highly sought-after career choice. This study highlights the evolving trends in selecting medical education, particularly for its dual benefits of professional and social advantages.