To be or not to be an Obstetrician / Gynaecologist

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Physician Motivation
• Career Development

Background:

• Understanding physician career choices is crucial for specialty training.
• Obstetrics and Gynecology (ObGyn) is a demanding field requiring specific motivations.
• Exploring career selection and progression factors in ObGyn is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the motivational sources for selecting and pursuing an Obstetrics and Gynecology (ObGyn) career.
• To identify challenges faced by ObGyn physicians during their careers.
• To investigate strategies employed by ObGyn physicians to overcome these challenges.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing a constrictive worldview.
• Purposeful maximum variation sampling of ObGyn residents and consultants at Aga Khan University.
• Thematic analysis of interview data to identify key themes and trends.

Main Results:

• Key themes identified: grounds for selecting ObGyn, motivational factors, demotivating factors, and coping strategies.
• Aptitude and passion are pivotal for both career selection and pursuance.
• Personal fulfillment, hands-on experience, and social support systems are vital for motivation and overcoming challenges.

Conclusions:

• Aligning career choices with personal preference and aptitude enhances endurance and motivation.
• A robust support system is critical for navigating and overcoming challenges in ObGyn practice.
• Understanding these factors can inform strategies for physician retention and well-being in ObGyn.