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The effect of the obstetrics and gynecology clerkship on students' interest in a career in obstetrics and gynecology.

Hammoud MM, Stansfield RB, Katz NT, Dugoff L, McCarthy J, White CB

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to determine the influence of the third-year obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) clerkship on male and female medical students' interest in a career in OB/GYN. STUDY DESIGN: Third-year medical students were surveyed about anticipated career field before and at the completion of the OB/GYN clerkship. The percentage of students considering OB/GYN as a career was computed before and after the clerkship. A multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the influence of various demographic factors on interest in OB/GYN. A Chi-square test was performed to establish different effects on males and females. RESULTS: A total of 268 students (55%) completed both surveys. Eight percent (mostly females) considered an OB/GYN career pre-clerkship and 15% post-clerkship. Interest in OB/GYN pre-clerkship was the strongest predictor of interest post-clerkship. CONCLUSION: The OB/GYN clerkship increases students' interest in a career in OB/GYN. Most males are not considering OB/GYN as a career choice before the start of the clerkship.

Published 31 October 2006 in Am J Obstet Gynecol, 195(5): 1422-6.
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