Why choose paediatrics? A systematic review of factors affecting choice of paediatrics as a career

Abstract Background Despite being a popular specialty at the undergraduate level, paediatrics lags behind most other medical and surgical specialties for postgraduate recruitment. As many individuals decide on their future career choice while still in medical school, it is important to identify the factors that attract individuals to a career in paediatrics. Objective To determine the positive influencing factors determining paediatrics as a career choice. Methods A systematic review of primary research articles was conducted searching Medline, Embase, ERIC and Google Scholar, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses recommendations. Studies exploring medical student, junior doctor and current paediatricians’ perceptions of paediatrics were included. Factors affecting career choice were identified. Results Eight studies out of a possible 705 met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Five key influencing themes were identified. These were: early undergraduate and clinical exposure to paediatrics; the presence of role models and mentors; an enjoyable working atmosphere and varied clinical work; a personal commitment to paediatrics; and working with children. Conclusion Medical students are drawn by the wide clinical variety in paediatrics, enjoyable ward atmosphere and enthusiastic colleagues. Given the importance of early clinical exposure in determining student motivation, paediatrics needs to do more to advertise the wide variety of clinical and research work available, starting early in medical school. Medical students need to be offered more opportunities to experience the specialty through student selected components, summer schools, or workshops, requiring coordination between medical schools and regional paediatric departments.