Picking Pediatrics: What Drives Student Decisions?

OBJECTIVE Career choice during the process of medical education drives workforce development, the future of medicine, and patient access to care. This study explored how student experiences contributed to specialty choice and sought to identify ways that medical school leadership could improve recruitment into the field of pediatrics. METHODS The authors conducted a qualitative study with semistructured interviews of 20 recently graduated or graduating medical students at 2 comparable medical schools (2019–2022). Participants were recruited if they expressed interest in pediatrics at any time during medical school. Using thematic analysis, transcripts were analyzed iteratively, and data were collected until theoretical sufficiency was achieved. Codes were grouped and dominant themes emerged. RESULTS Three dominant themes were identified, including (1) some students are “primed” for a pediatrics career because they are passionate about science and enjoy working with children, (2) impactful medical school experiences can diminish initial interest in pediatrics, and (3) students are drawn to the culture and unique aspects of pediatrics. Similar themes persisted regardless of the ultimate career decision. CONCLUSIONS Medical school experiences play a crucial role in career decisions, and identified experiences that diminished desires to enter pediatric careers should be addressed. Medical schools can highlight the unique culture of pediatrics and provide broader exposure to the clinical practice of pediatrics. Creating successful mentorship experiences, increasing clinical exposure prior to clerkships, prioritizing autonomy, and creating meaningful roles in pediatric spaces may have a positive impact on those considering a career in pediatrics.