The early determinants of career choices for medical students following an obstetrics and gynaecology placement: mixed methods study

Objective: to explore the impact of attending a clinical placement on selecting a career in obstetrics and gynaecology Design: Mixed methods study Setting: Imperial College London Population: Fifth year medical students attending a clinical placement in obstetrics and gynaecology Methods: Between January 2021- January 2022, questionnaires were used and semi-structured focus groups conducted, which were audio recorded. Descriptive statistics were conducted and a framework analysis on transcribed focus groups. Main outcome measure: the impact of the clinical placement on career choices Results: Six main themes were identified from the analysis; three contributing to considering a career in obstetrics and gynaecology; pregnancy is not an illness , extraordinary experience of observing childbirth and variable specialty and three themes emerged contributing to not considering a career; lack of work-life balance, high stakes specialty and the emotional toll . Even at an undergraduate level, medical students exhibited concerns about the long term feasibility of achieving work life balance and avoiding professional burnout, which was partly attributed to the responsibility of looking after both the woman and baby. Conclusions: Obstetrics and gynaecology is a challenging high stakes specialty but is also highly rewarding. Students experiences of childbirth during a clinical placement appear to contribute to the consideration of a career in obstetrics and gynaecology. It is crucial to provide a supported and realistic introduction to the specialty, to recruit enthusiastic junior doctors who will be resilient to the pressures of obstetrics.