Gender Differences in Medical Specialty Decision Making: The Importance of Mentorship

While there have been many studies reviewing factors considered by medical students in deciding on a specialty, there is a relative paucity of data in how these factors differ between males and females. The aim of this study was to determine if there are differences in how male and female medical students' value various factors in choosing a career path in medicine.

A survey of basic demographic information and a Likert-based questionnaire addressing various factors in specialty choice was sent to all military medical students in the class of 2019.

The survey response rate was 30%. Amongst the students that completed the survey, 72% were male and 28% were female. The majority of students were less than 27 years old (52%) and Caucasian (76%). Female medical students placed more importance in exposure to third year clerkships (P = 0.004) and gender diversity within the specialty (P = 0.03) than their male counterparts. There was no statistical difference in opinions of significant others or family members, desire to have a family, or having a well-balanced life between female, and male medical students.

Female medical students valued exposure to third year clerkships and gender diversity more than their male colleagues when choosing a future specialty. These findings suggest that a strategic focus should be placed on mentoring female medical students in order to promote a diverse medical workforce.