Motivations for Choosing a Medical Specialty

Insights from Pará Students

Authors

  • João Lucas Lalor Tavares
  • Leonardo Bastos Santos
  • Ruan Pablo da Silva Gomes
  • Flávio Lobo Altieri
  • Marcus Paulo Oliveira Lopes
  • Ana Cristina Vidigal Soeiro

Keywords:

Choice Behavior, Career Choice, Medical Specialty

Abstract

Objective: In Brazil, 66% of physicians hold a medical specialty title, with the majority concentrated in only 13 specialties. Understanding the factors that influence this choice is essential to reduce inequalities in the distribution of specialists across the country. Objective: To identify intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors that influence the choice of medical specialty. Method: Observational, cross-sectional, and quantitative study conducted with medical students from a university in the Northern Region of Brazil. Data were collected through an online questionnaire. Results: The sample included 243 medical students, mostly male, single, with a mean age of 22 years. The most frequently chosen specialties were General Surgery, Cardiology, and Neurosurgery, with 68.7% expressing a preference for clinical fields. The main influencing factors were personal satisfaction, affinity with the area, and professional autonomy. Conclusion: Specialty choice was guided by personal and professional factors, notably satisfaction, affinity, financial return, and quality of life. Men prioritized financial aspects, while women valued work–life balance.

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Published

2026-03-01

How to Cite

Tavares, J. L. L., Santos, L. B., Gomes, R. P. da S., Altieri, F. L., Lopes, M. P. O., & Soeiro, A. C. V. (2026). Motivations for Choosing a Medical Specialty: Insights from Pará Students. Revista De Divulgação Científica Sena Aires, 15(Esp.2), 127–134. Retrieved from https://rdcsa.emnuvens.com.br/revista/article/view/1090

Issue

Vol. 15 No. Esp.2 (2026): REVISA

Section

Original Paper

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