Publication:

Determinants and gender differences in specialty choice among medical students and house officers in Punjab: a cross-sectional study

Background The career choices students make determine the future composition and distribution of the physician workforce. This study aimed to identify the factors that medical students and house officers in Punjab perceive as influencing their choice of future specialty, and to assess gender differences in those choices.

Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among MBBS students and house officers from various medical colleges and hospitals in Punjab, Pakistan, between June and November 2025. All enrolled MBBS students from first to final year and house officers were invited to participate. A minimum sample size of 384 was calculated. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with descriptive and inferential statistical methods applied.

Results Participants (mean age 22.43±1.78 years) were predominantly female (58.1%). Gender differences were significant (χ², p=0.006): gynecology and obstetrics and dermatology were preferred specialties by females, whereas gastroenterology and cardiology were more commonly selected by male respondents. Gender showed bivariate associations with specialty choice (p=0.006). In a multinomial logistic regression, only academic year independently predicted specialty preference (likelihood-ratio χ²=66.68, df=40, p=0.005; Nagelkerke R²=0.171). The most attractive factors influencing specialty choice were the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.

Conclusions Medical students’ and house officers’ specialty choices in Punjab are influenced by multiple personal and academic factors, with gender-based differences. Understanding these influences can help medical educators and institutions provide targeted career counseling and support informed specialty decision-making.