Career Choices and Influencing Factors among Undergraduate Medical Students of a Private Medical College, Karachid

Introduction:The global imbalance in physician specialization presents a growing challenge, as the career preferences of medical graduates often fail to align with the healthcare needs of communities. These disparities can lead to underrepresentation in certain critical specialties. Understanding the factors that influence medical students’ career choices is essential for informing workforce planning and ensuring a more equitable distribution of future healthcare providers.Objectives:The objective of this study was to assess the career preferences and the influencing factors among third-, fourth-, and final-year undergraduate medical students at a private medical college in Karachi.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among third-, fourth-, and final-year medical students at Liaquat College of Medicine and Dentistry over a 6-month period post IRB approval. A stratified probability sampling technique was employed to ensure representative selection across academic years. The calculated sample size for the study was 215 participants. Data will be collected through a self-administered questionnaire, addressing career preferences and factors influencing choices. Ethical considerations involve written informed consent, ensuring data anonymity and confidentiality. Results:A total of 214 medical students participated in the study, with a mean age of 22.4 ± 1.74 years. Of them, 128 (59.8%) were female and 86 (40.2%) were male. The majority were enrolled in the final year 78 (36.4%) and fourth year 92 (43.0%) of the MBBS program. Most fathers were graduates 79 (36.9%) and worked in non-medical professions 177 (82.7%), while a significant proportion of mothers 70 (32.7%) were housewives. Overall, 177 (82.7%) students reported a high degree of satisfaction with choosing the medical profession. The most frequently selected specialties for future careers were general surgery 44 (20.6%), obstetrics and gynecology 18 (8.4%), and orthopedics 16 (7.5%). Regarding preferred postgraduate qualifications, FCPS was cited by 95 (44.4%) students, and USMLE by 70 (32.7%). The most commonly reported encouraging factors influencing career choice included academic interest 182 (85.0%), lifestyle 166 (77.6%), public appreciation of doctors 162 (75.7%), application of skills 160 (74.8%), salary 157 (73.4%), and social standing 156 (72.9%). In contrast, discouraging factors included the long duration of training 138 (64.5%), inadequate training programs 134 (62.6%), lack of competent supervisors 130 (60.7%), personal life concerns 125 (58.4%), and extended working hours 123 (57.5%).Conclusion: General surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and orthopedics were the most preferred specialties, with FCPS and USMLE as top postgraduate choices. Career decisions were mainly influenced by lifestyle and academic interest, while poor training quality and lengthy duration were major barriers. These findings call for targeted reforms in medical education and career planning.