Exploring temperament and character traits in medical students; a new approach to increase the rural workforce

This study explored temperament and character traits in medical students to identify the possible predictive value of these traits to students with varying levels of intention to pursue rural medicine. This work is the precursor to a better understanding of personality traits associated with medical disciplines within specific environments such as rural medicine.

The long term aim is to increase the recruitment of students who are best suited, and choose to practice in rural locations.

Medical students (272) completed a demographic survey and the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI-R 140) to identify levels of the seven basic dimensions of temperament and character. Multivariate statistics explored differences between students' TCI levels based on gender, rural origin and level of intention to pursue rural medicine.

Analysis showed only main effects and confirmed significant differences in certain TCI dimensions between students with a high compared to a low or medium intention to practice rural medicine and between males and females.

Preliminary findings suggest that certain temperament and character traits may be related to interest in rural medicine however the efficacy of assessing personality traits as an adjunct to medical school training and career counselling remains uncertain.