Medical Students’ Views of Medicine as a Calling and Selection of a Primary Care-Related Residency

Audiey C. Kao; Andrew J. Jager

doi:10.1370/afm.2149

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Medicine as a Calling is a Complex Issue
Kenneth E. Olive

Published on: 18 January 2018

Published on: (18 January 2018)
Page navigation anchor for Medicine as a Calling is a Complex Issue
Medicine as a Calling is a Complex Issue
Kenneth E. Olive, Executive Associate Dean
As a primary care general internist for whom medicine is a calling, the hypothesis that there is a relationship between viewing medicine as a calling and selecting a primary care specialty seems logical. While this study found a statistically significant relationship it does not appear to be especially strong. Those choosing both general surgery and obstetrics & gynecology included a higher percentage who strongly a...
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As a primary care general internist for whom medicine is a calling, the hypothesis that there is a relationship between viewing medicine as a calling and selecting a primary care specialty seems logical. While this study found a statistically significant relationship it does not appear to be especially strong. Those choosing both general surgery and obstetrics & gynecology included a higher percentage who strongly agreed that medicine was a calling than either internal medicine or pediatrics. Given that the residency training and practice demands of these two specialties are high, this not surprising. This may also be impacted by the observation that overall most students in this study (83% agree or strongly agree) view medicine as a calling. Since medical education is difficult and demanding it is not surprising that those choosing to pursue it are highly committed - it is not for the casually interested participant.
I have been counseling students on career choice for many years and have noted when selecting careers (whether primary care or otherwise) students are interested in choosing careers which align with their aptitudes and interests as well those in which they feel they can make a difference. Many students who clearly have a high view of medicine as a calling have chosen non-primary care careers as careers that will be fulfilling because of their ability to have a positive impact on society.
The authors are to be commended on undertaking this interesting study. It identifies another factor admissions committees can evaluate in the challenging attempt to identify applicants more likely to pursue primary care careers - a compelling social need.
Competing interests: None declared
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Competing Interests: None declared.