Obstetrics and gynecology - To be or not to be? Factors influencing one's decision

Cheryl A. Fogarty, Robert G. Bonebrake, Alfred D. Fleming, Gleb Haynatzki

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The study was undertaken to determine factors influencing a medical student's decision to choose obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) versus another specialty. STUDY DESIGN: Medical school graduates from 1991 to 2001 were surveyed about factors influencing their specialty choice. Data were analyzed with χ2, logistic regression, and odds ratio where appropriate. RESULTS: Of 1128 surveys, 562 (50%) were returned; 37% of respondents were women and 63% were men; and 73 (13%) chose OB/GYN. Statistically significant positive influences included student sex, second-year rotations, OB/GYN staff, continuity of patient care, primary care opportunities, surgical opportunities, healthy patient population, female patients, lifestyle, and financial opportunities. CONCLUSION: Perceived lifestyle, primary care opportunities, and malpractice concerns did not influence the choice to enter the field of OB/GYN. Also, the perception of patient's desire for female physicians had no apparent influence, either positive or negative, in the decision process.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)652-654
Number of pages3
JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Volume189
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2003
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Choice
  • Obstetrics-gynecology
  • Specialty

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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