The Contributing Factors Affecting Taif University Medical Students and Interns in Choosing Their Future Specialty

Introduction: Medical Specialty choosing might be the most important thought in interns and senior students' mind. Many factors play a role in this process and experiment as motivations differs according to the specialty chosen, place, and centers of training program. Methods: A cross sectional study involves interns and 6thyear Medical students from Taif University School of Medicine, Taif, Saudi Arabia. Males and females from October - November 2015 were invited to participate. Self-reported questionnaire’s includes 31 questions to assess the specialty of interest, location, and psychological aspects behind the specialty preference were given. The primary aim of the study is to assess participants preferred specialty, location, and the factors influence their interest. Also we will evaluate the role of gender in such choices. Results: Total of 161 Interns (15.5%) and 6th year Medical students (84.5%) participated in the study, mean GPA is 3.023/4, and equally male: female ratio. The most desired future specialty is Pediatric (13%) then Family Medicine (11%), yet 9% were still undecided. 62% were interested in local training programs while the rest interested in International programs. Around 55% chooses Riyadh and Jeddah city been the best location for their future training. The most important factor in preferring future specialty is personal interest. While training programs quality is the most important reason for choosing training place. Conclusion: The most desired future specialty is Pediatric. Compared to the participated males, females were more likely to reports been qualified and having more knowledge about the desired future specialty, more likely to prefer International training programs, but were less likely to be interested in the Academic career.