Personality Profiles of Incoming Male and Female Medical Students: Results of a Multi-Site 9-Year Study

This study conveys findings of a 9-year multi-site study of personality traits among incoming medical students. The purpose of the study was twofold. First, it assessed gender differences by exploring personality traits of incoming male and female medical students. Second, it sought to illuminate personality factors associated with those who choose a career in medicine by comparing personality characteristics of medical students to those of the general population.

The Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) was administered at four medical schools to two thousand one hundred seventy seven first-year medical students (1021 females; 1156 males).

Study findings revealed significant personality differences between male and female medical students on 11 of 16 personality factors as well as substantial differences in personality functioning between medical students and the general population. Findings are described and future directions for analyses are presented.