Do physicians' children perform differently in medical education? A multi-center field study in China

Intergenerational transmission refers to the transfer of occupations, knowledge, or skills across generations. There is a consensus in the medical field that children of doctors are more likely to want to become doctors and that doctors from medical families are more likely to be trusted by their patients. This study explores the current state of intergenerational transmission in Chinese medical universities and its impact on students' academic and professional development, which towards more supportive policies for medical manpower development in low- and middle-income countries.

A survey was conducted among 434 students at the universities of Chinese medicine in Beijing and Nanjing. This study assessed the prevalence of intergenerational transmission and its influence on student competencies in medical thinking, practice, and innovation.

Approximately 18.66% of the students reported intergenerational inheritance of medicine, with 10.37% from direct lineage, 5.07% from collateral lineage, and 3.23% from other relatives. A majority (77.88%) of the respondents believed that doctors' family backgrounds positively impacted the learning and growth of medical students. Students with direct or collateral intergenerational inheritance demonstrated significantly higher innovation ability ([Formula: see text]=12.28, p < 0.05) and medical thinking skills (Coefficient = 9.52,p < 0.05) compared to those without such backgrounds. Regional factors and family inheritance influence students' overall competencies in medical studies.

Nearly one in five students had a family background in medicine, and most recognized its positive impact on their learning. Intergenerational transmission enhances innovation and medical thinking among students. Medical universities should incorporate intergenerational experiences into their training programs and encourage cross-cultural and intergenerational exchanges to develop students' critical thinking skills, practical skills, and innovation capacities.