Factors affecting career choices in medicine

The choice of medicine as a career is often limited by lack of knowledge concerning the wide range of options facing the applicant. Once enrolled, many students regret the choice. Over half the entrants to medical schools are women and career choice is viewed as limited. Careers advice is often patchy and career choices are usually made late and well into the pre-registration year. The choice of obstetrics and gynaecology as a career is low and the choice of an academic career does not register at all. Given that many students have high academic aspirations, it is difficult to understand why this should be the case.