Radiology as the Most Popular Specialty among Iranian Medical Residents: What are the Influencing Factors in Choosing this Specialty?

Medical residents choose to pursue their careers based on multiple internal and external factors. These factors, in turn, affect not only their personal future but the overall status of the health care system in every region.

To determine the factors affecting radiology residents' choice of specialty career choice.

This research was a cross-sectional study. The statistical population was all radiology residents (N=48) of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical sciences studying during the academic year 2018-2019. The data were collected by a researcher-made questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by the experts, and its reliability was calculated using Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.71). Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical tests (Mann-Whitney U test) by SPSS version 18.

The mean age of participants was 30.7±2.6 years. The most important factors influencing the choice of radiology specialty were: “Acquiring knowledge and competency for better treatment” (mean 4.18 out of 5), “convenience and lack of emergency” (3.90), and “good career future" (3.88), respectively; While “family and friends' advice” (3.18) and “possibility of continuing education and fellowship” (3.07) were the least important factors. “Higher-income” was significantly more important in the specialty choice among male residents (p < 0.05).

This study provided valuable information on the factors influencing the choice of radiology specialty. Understanding specific factors that influence decisions to enter the specialty of radiology may provide proper guidance for human resources planners to consider the needs of the community’s health system.