Factors Influencing First Year Medical Students in Choosing the MBBS Course and their Perceptions about the Medical Profession

Abstract

Background: The choice of a career in the medical field is a complex personal decision which is influenced by multiple factors. The study of these factors is important as it may provide an insight into the perceptions of doctors towards the Medical Profession. Various research studies regarding the motivations and perceptions of the students show that the most common motivations are altruism, the desire to help others. Understanding the factors that motivate students to choose medicine as their professional education can be of help to the providers of medical education in understanding the characteristics of the learners and their expectations when they enrol for the MBBS programme. Also, it is essential for the teachers to be aware of their learner’s perception about choosing a career in medicine; thereby their learning can be facilitated more effectively. Methods: A cross- sectional study was conducted among 115 first year MBBS students who were willing to participate in the study by asking them to fill a predesigned questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of open-ended questions which were to be filled by the students in one or more sentences. The responses of the 115 students were recorded and subjected to qualitative analysis Results: In our study it was seen that multiple reasons were given for choosing the medical profession like service to the poor and underprivileged, parents wish, inspiration from parents etc. Respect in the society, job security and job satisfaction were considered as some of the privileges of the medical profession. Being honest, truthful and empathetic towards the patient were listed as a few responsibilities of the profession. Conclusion: In our study some of the most common reasons which influenced the students to join medicine was serving the poor and underprivileged, respect in the society, parents wish, inspired by other doctors etc. As far as the perceptions of the students about the medical profession are concerned, they regarded it as a profession with a lot of privileges and responsibilities at the same time.