Premium
Lifestyle Factors and Other Influences on Medical Students Choosing a Career in Emergency Medicine
Author(s) -
Keith Kevin C.,
Smith Elizabeth,
Reddy Shalini,
Bourne Christina L.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
aem education and training
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.49
H-Index - 9
ISSN - 2472-5390
DOI - 10.1002/aet2.10440
Subject(s) - specialty , graduation (instrument) , work schedule , schedule , medical education , medicine , medical school , work (physics) , family medicine , psychology , gerontology , mechanical engineering , geometry , mathematics , computer science , engineering , operating system
Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to determine which lifestyle factors influence medical students who choose a career in emergency medicine (EM). Methods Final‐year medical students from 10 medical schools were surveyed after the National Residency Match Program match but prior to graduation regarding preferred medical specialty and lifestyle preferences. Responses from students pursuing EM regarding importance of lifestyle factors were compared to students interested in other specialties. Results A total of 453 of 1,575 invited medical students completed an electronic survey. EM was the third most preferred specialty. Students selecting EM were less likely to endorse “having control of work schedule” as being important (p < 0.005), but more likely to endorse “having time off work” as important (p < 0.05). When students were asked what specific factors were important in choosing a specialty, EM students differed from other students in the importance of flexible work schedule, time outside of work, and balance between work and personal life (p < 0.001). Fewer EM students endorsed that having a “low‐stress work day” was an important consideration in their specialty choice (p < 0.001). Conclusions In this study representing 10 medical schools, graduating medical students who prefer EM as opposed to other specialties exhibit differences in lifestyle factors deemed important when choosing a specialty as a physician. Further investigation regarding any potential link to these factors and career longevity is warranted.