Personality differences between internal medicine and surgical residents in an Asian population

Personality traits often have an impact on the way individuals relate to each other as colleagues and the patients we treat. It is often perceived that distinct personality exist between different specialties and may help predict success during one's training and career.

Objective of the study was to compare the personality between surgical and medical residents. Thirty-five medical residents and 35 surgical residents completed the Revised NEO Personality Inventory, a validated measure of personality traits. A score was generated for each of the 5 major character traits namely: neuroticism(N), extraversion(E), openness(O), conscientiousness(C), agreeableness(A). Each of these traits were subdivided into 6 component facets. This was compared with sociodemographic characteristics.

Medical residents displayed higher scores in the area of overall Agreeableness, with a mean score of 47.4 vs 40.5. Within Agreeableness facets, medical residents also displayed higher scores of straightforwardness, altruism and modesty. Surgical residents displayed higher scores in terms of overall Extraversion (52.4 vs 45.4). Within the Extraversion facets, surgical residents were also more assertive and excitement-seeking. There was no difference in the overall neuroticism domain; however, within the neuroticism facets, surgical residents had statistically higher mean scores in angry hostility and impulsiveness. Gender stratification did not result in any statistically significant difference.

There are fundamental differences between personalities of medical and surgical residents. Detailed analysis of each individual's data could be useful, with proper assistance and coaching, for residents in learning more about their personalities and how these impact their clinical practice. This can be beneficial in future career counselling and the development of a more holistic medical practitioner.