The early determinants of career choices for medical students following
an obstetrics and gynaecology placement: mixed methods study
Abstract
Objective: to explore the impact of attending a clinical placement on
selecting a career in obstetrics and gynaecology Design: Mixed methods
study Setting: Imperial College London Population: Fifth year medical
students attending a clinical placement in obstetrics and gynaecology
Methods: Between January 2021- January 2022, questionnaires were used
and semi-structured focus groups conducted, which were audio recorded.
Descriptive statistics were conducted and a framework analysis on
transcribed focus groups. Main outcome measure: the impact of the
clinical placement on career choices Results: Six main themes were
identified from the analysis; three contributing to considering a career
in obstetrics and gynaecology; pregnancy is not an
illness, extraordinary experience of observing
childbirth and variable specialty and three themes
emerged contributing to not considering a career; lack of
work-life balance, high stakes specialty and the
emotional toll. Even at an undergraduate level, medical
students exhibited concerns about the long term feasibility of achieving
work life balance and avoiding professional burnout, which was partly
attributed to the responsibility of looking after both the woman and
baby. Conclusions: Obstetrics and gynaecology is a challenging high
stakes specialty but is also highly rewarding. Students experiences of
childbirth during a clinical placement appear to contribute to the
consideration of a career in obstetrics and gynaecology. It is crucial
to provide a supported and realistic introduction to the specialty, to
recruit enthusiastic junior doctors who will be resilient to the
pressures of obstetrics.