The specialty choice of interns at Ibadan general hospitals

This cross-sectional study of house-officers at the two general hospitals in Ibadan is aimed at highlighting their preference for specialties, its evolution in the course of training, and its association with demographic variables. Fifty-one interns, consisting of 38 males and 13 females, and representing 84% response rate, participated. While at the time of study 48 (94%) had indicated a definite specialty choice, 45 (95.7%) of this group preferred surgery, internal medicine, paediatrics, or obstetrics and gynaecology. Radiology, community medicine, and anaesthesia were not even considered. Surgery was the most popular specialty. Specialty choice, evident before entry into university in 43% of the group, evolved during the course of training, being affected mainly by interest aroused during the clinical postings and the need for self-fulfillment. Specialty choice tended to fluctuate over the years. The findings are similar to those of clinical year students, and call for a consideration of the idea of interns rotating through the less favoured specialties.