Considerations in Specialty Selections: What Medical Students Think, Know, and Think They Know about Interventional...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Interventional Radiology
• Medical Specialty Choice

Background:

• Medical student interest in interventional radiology (IR) is growing.
• Understanding the factors influencing specialty choice is crucial for medical education and workforce planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the motivations, deterrents, knowledge, and exposure to interventional radiology (IR) among medical students interested in the specialty versus those who are not.
• To identify key factors influencing medical students' consideration of IR as a career path.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to medical students across five diverse institutions.
• The survey included 19 questions covering demographics, specialty interests, motivations/deterrents, knowledge, and exposure to IR.
• Data from 611 students were analyzed, with 20.5% expressing interest in IR.

Main Results:

• Students interested in IR were less motivated by direct patient care but more by salary, job market, and procedures.
• Students considering IR reported higher certainty about their knowledge but scored similarly low on actual IR knowledge compared to their peers.
• Interest in IR was highest among first-year students and decreased significantly by fourth year.

Conclusions:

• Medical students express interest in IR but demonstrate a limited understanding of the field.
• IR educators should emphasize procedural aspects and longitudinal patient care to increase student interest and comprehension.
• Targeted educational interventions may be necessary to address knowledge gaps and enhance the appeal of IR.