Career choice motivation and professionalism in medical students in China: a gender-stratified analysis

Abstract

ObjectiveTo examine the associations between career choice motivation and professionalism among medical students based on gender in the context of COVID-19.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThe study was conducted at a medical school in China.MethodsA total of 1421 second-year to fourth-year medical students participated in the survey using cluster sampling. They were asked to complete questionnaires on demographic information, career choice motivation and professionalism. Linear regression models were used to analyse the relationship between career choice motivations and professionalism based on gender differences.ResultsFemale medical students outperformed males in professionalism (p<0.001). Third-year medical students have the lowest level of professionalism irrespective of gender. In addition, females have more intrinsic career choice motivation than males. Students motivated bypersonal interesthad the highest level of professionalism, while those whogo with the flowhad the lowest. According to the linear regression analysis, the motivationadvice from parentswas the factor of professionalism in male medical students (p<0.05). However, the motivationgo with the flownegatively influenced the professionalism of female medical students (p<0.05).ConclusionThe level of professionalism differed between genders based on different career choice motivations. Career choice motivation can be used as an entry point for professionalism education among medical students. Targeted interventions should be implemented to improve professionalism, especially for male medical students and unmotivated students.