[The influence of various personality traits in the choice of medical specialization: evaluation using EPI]

Personality data obtained from 78 medical students at the University of Turin were analysed using the Eysenck Personality Inventory, a 69-question psychometric test which evaluates levels of extroversion, neuroticism and psychoticism. Results were analysed by standard deviation and controlled with Student's test. With regard to extroversion, a contrast was found between aspiring surgeons and gynecologists who tended to be extroverts, and aspiring psychiatrists who tended to be introverts. A similar contrast was also found between two groups in terms of psychotism: aspiring surgeons tended to be less psychotic and aspiring pediatricians tended to be more psychotic. In conclusion, it is possible to hypothesise that the personality traits influence, in synergy with other factors, the choice of medical specialisation.