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Preclinical students: who are surgeons?
Rosemary A Kozar1, Kimberly D Anderson, Susan L Escobar-Chaves
1Department of Surgery, University of Texas-Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. Rosemary.A.Kozar@uth.tmc.edu
The Journal of Surgical Research
|May 18, 2004
Summary
Medical students interested in surgery often decide before medical school, while others choose later, influenced by preceptors. Negative perceptions of surgery stem from media, peers, and preceptors.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Career Development
- Medical Student Perceptions
Background:
- Understanding medical student career choices is crucial for specialty recruitment.
- Negative perceptions of surgery can deter students from surgical careers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how preclinical medical students make career choices.
- To identify the origins of negative perceptions towards a surgical career.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study utilizing focus groups with second-year medical students.
- Independent content analysis by three investigators.
- Inclusion of students with and without surgical interest.
Main Results:
- Surgery-interested students' choices stemmed from premedical experiences; others chose during medical school, influenced by preceptors.
- Students interested in surgery prioritized career satisfaction for happiness; others separated career and family happiness.
- Negative surgical perceptions were reinforced by media, preceptors, and peers; preclinical exposure to surgeons was minimal.
Conclusions:
- Early outreach to high school and college students may influence surgical career choices.
- Addressing negative perceptions of surgery requires responsibility from surgeons, considering influences from peers, preceptors, and media.