1572P - Factors associated with career choice in oncology among medical students

Background

The determinants of choices of orientation towards medical oncology have been little explored.

Methods

Medical students of the classes 2022 and 2023 in Lille and Amiens Universities (North of France) were enrolled in a quantitative online survey, with 2 follow-up over 2 months. 36 potential determinants from previous works (Wright et al. 2004; Beaulieu et al. 2010) were evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale alongside parameters. Choosing oncology was assessed among 44 specialities. We identified determinants using both CHAID method and binary and multiple linear regressions, and CHAID method.

Results

Responders were 563 (563/1250; 45%). CHAID analysis retained 2 factors: “medical oncology traineeship” (p<.0001) and “identification with a doctor in the specialty” (p=.049). when excluding factors associated with énd-cycle trining, CHAID analysis retained 2 factors associated with a career choice in oncology: “rejection of emergency care” (p=.036) and “wish of hospital-university career” (p=.006). Motivations differed according to sexes. In men, choosing oncology was associated in multivariate analysis with: “hospital traineeship in medical oncology” (β=0.22; p=.010), “hospital traineeship in oncology radiotherapy” (β=0.22; p<0.001) and “interest in fundamental research” (β=0.06; p<.001). Conversely, “rural life” (β=-0.09; p=.014) was negatively associated with this choice. In women, parameters positively associated with choosing oncology were: “hospital traineeship in medical oncology” (β=0.289; p<.001), “long-term relationship with patients” (β=0.12; p=.021) and “hospital work” (β=0.21; p=0<.001). A negative association was observed for: “treatment with visible outcome in the short term” (β=-0.15; p=.018) and “rural life” (β=-0.15; p=.006).

Conclusions

Motivations varied according to sexes. Hospital experience during the second cycle of medical studies plays a determining role. The ability or the interest in emergency management seems important in career choice. Certain interests influence career choice (long-term relationship with patient) as well as contextual factors (rural life). These results can be interpreted according to Bandura's social cognitive theory.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

Centre Oscar Lambret.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.