The factors influencing the specialty choices of medical residents in Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences: a cross sectional study in 2013

the motivations and reasons for choosing a specialty field among medical students that a can be effective on training of physicians and promoting health in the community. In a cross-sectional study we investigate factors influencing specialty choice of 429 medical residents in Ahvaz Jundishapur University of medical sciences. Data was collected by a questionnaire with 28 items. The content validity was evalated by experts and its construct validity was examined using factor analysis. Its reliability Confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha (0.810). The data was analyzed by SPSS software and analytical statistical methods. Two hundred twentyparticipants (52.4%) were males. According to the study, the most effective reason to choose a specific field was to give better public service with 4.33±0.7(out of a total 5) followed by personal interest with 4.15 ± 0.8 and 3.98 ± 0.9 respectively. Income and social prestige, as well as lower level of stress and emergency calls with mean 3.61±1.0 and 2.48±1.4 were less important factors in choosing a specialty. Being in elective non emergency situation and more relax atmosphere was significantly higher in women compare to men (2.65 vs. 2.23 p>0.02). Comparison of influential factors in selection of a specialty among different residents were significantly different (p<0.05). Considering first hand factors influencing their choice such as the ability to better helping people compared to less important factors such as social, economic and welfare indicates that most residents choosing their own interests and needs of the community. Knowing these factors will guide residency program directors in designing appropriate strategies for educational and health care services.