Choice of specialty and training institutions among doctors in Malaysia

Abstract

The choice of specialty and training institutions among Malaysian doctors applying for postgraduate training at one of the local universities in 1995 and 1996 was obtained. A postal survey was done on a random sample of these doctors on factors affecting the choice of specialty and the choice of training institutions. Surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology and family medicine were the three most popular specialties with pathology, psychiatry and otorhinolaryngology being the most unpopular. Interest/enjoyment in the specialty, the clinical nature of the specialty and working experience in the specialty were the most important reasons for their choice. The ability to do community work was the most unimportant reason. The male doctors ranked "interest in the specialty" and "the clinical nature of the specialty" significantly higher while the female doctors ranked "marriage and family considerations" higher. Important factors in choosing the training institutions were the "availability of facilities and teachers" and the "location in a central place or nearer to home". The perception of ease of passing the examinations were least important. Consideration of these responses are important for institutions to attract potential candidates.