Factors Influencing the Medical Student’s Interest and Career Choice in Neurosurgery

Choice of Neurosurgical Career in Ghana

Abstract

Objective: To determine the factors influencing interest and a career choice in neurosurgery among final year medical students.

Methodology: A mixed method study was conducted where primary data was collected from 120 final year medical students and three neurosurgery consultants in the University of Ghana Medical School, using quantitative cross-sectional study and qualitative Delphi panel study methods, respectively. The main study outcome was the choice of Neurosurgery as a specialty.

Results: About 90% of the students expressed interest in neurosurgery. Interest in neurosurgery (70%) and the will to make an impact in the specialty (75%) were the top factors for the 13.8% of students who said they would apply for neurosurgical residency, while the long duration of training deterred 63% of respondents. The students had poor exposure to the clinical aspects of the specialty. Practicing neurosurgeons placed a high premium on student interest in the field.

Conclusion: To build interest among medical students to enter neurosurgical residency programs, students should be given more contact hours during their neurosurgery rotations, and neurosurgical mentorship programmes should be established in medical schools to give medical students insight into the typical life of practicing neurosurgeons.