Perceptions about an academic career in medicine among first and fourth year students of a medical college in South India

Dr Manaswini Das; Dr Deeganta Mohanty; Dr K Uma Maheswara Rao; Dr Manas Ranjan Rout; Dr K Chandrasekhar

Volume : VI, Issue : VII, July - 2016

Perceptions about an academic career in medicine among first and fourth year students of a medical college in South India

Dr Manaswini Das, Dr Deeganta Mohanty, Dr K Uma Maheswara Rao, Dr Manas Ranjan Rout, Dr K Chandrasekhar

Abstract :

Introduction: The purpose of this pilot study was to find out about the perceptions about a future career in academics in medical students. We also sought to identify different factors that promote an interest in pursuing a career in academic medicine. Methods: A cross–sectional study was conducted during June 2016 among first (2nd semester) and fourth year (6th semester) medical students by a 15–item questionnaire developed through literature review. Demographic data and information about participants’ perceptions regarding careers in academia were assessed by a 5–point Likert scale. Results: 240 participants gave their views on a future career in academics. First year students demonstrated greater interest in pursuing teaching and/ or research after residency. There was no significant difference in the attitudes of male and female undergraduate students towards academics in the future. There was no significant difference in the factors that influenced the likelihood of students in considering academics in their future. Factors like mentorship, previous teaching and / or research opportunities and patient contact were considered more significant in ensuring students to consider teaching and research. More students agreed that an academic career would lower their salary potential in the future. Conclusions: Medical students represent a huge untapped population of potential researchers. Students’ interest in academic medicine would be bolstered by formal mentorship programmes and more teaching and research opportunities. Changes in curriculum and attitudes that favour students to pursue academics in their future careers will unquestionably give a eakthrough in medicine, especially in our country.