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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Project-Based Learning Guidelines for Health Sciences Students: An Analysis with Data Mining and Qualitative Techniques
Published on: December 9, 2022
[Considerations of Medical Students for a Career in Public Health]
Karin Apperloo-Swiersema1,2, A J M Jessie Hermans3, Robbert Duvivier4
1GGD IJsselland, Zwolle.
Objective:
To gain insight into the considerations that play a role for medical students in the final two years of their education when (possibly) choosing the specialty of Public and Occupational Health.
Design:
Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.
Method:
Eleven medical students in their 5th or 6th year who were planning or considering a career in public health care were interviewed.
Results:
Students tend to explore social medicine specialties late in their studies, due to a lack of internships, networks, and role models. Experiences during clinical hospital rotations prompt students to explore other career paths. Through informal sources, they discover alternatives and choose work that aligns with their ideals and identity.
Conclusion:
The decision to pursue a career in Public and Occupational Health often emerges late in medical training. Structural reinforcement of undergraduate medical education with content related to social medicine and exposure to role models, combined with career orientation support, can contribute to well-informed career choices.
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