Studying medicine – a cross-sectional questionnaire-based analysis of the motivational factors which influence graduate and undergraduate entrants in Ireland
posted on 2016-02-12, 12:05authored bySaadah Sulong, DEIRDRE MCGRATHDEIRDRE MCGRATH, PAUL FINUCANE, Mary Horgan, Siún O'Flynn, Colm O'Tuathaigh
Objectives: The number of places available in Ireland for
graduate entry to medical school has steadily increased
since 2006. Few studies have, however, characterized the
motivational factors underlying decision to study medicine
via this route. We compared the factors motivating graduate
entrants versus undergraduate entry (UGE) students to
choose medicine as a course of study.
Design: The present study was a quantitative cross-sectional
questionnaire-based investigation.
Setting: The study was conducted in University College
Cork and University of Limerick, Ireland.
Participants: It involved 185 graduate entry (GE) and 120
UGE students.
Outcome measures: Questionnaires were distributed to
students addressing the following areas: demographic/academic
characteristics; factors influencing the selection of
academic institution and motivation to study medicine;
and the role of career guidance in choice of study.
Results: When asked to list reasons for selecting medicine,
both groups listed a wish to help and work with people,
and a desire to prevent and cure disease. UGE students
were significantly more motivated by intellectual satisfaction,
encouragement by family/friends, financial reasons,
and professional independence. Approximately half of GE
students selected their first degree with a view to potentially
studying medicine in the future. GE and UGE students
differed significantly with respect to sources consulted for
career guidance and source of study information.
Conclusions: This study is the first systematic examination
of study and career motivation in GE medical students
since the programme was offered by Irish universities and
provides insight into the reasons why graduate entrants in
Ireland choose to study medicine via this route.
History
Publication
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine Open;5 (4), 1-8