Factors Influencing Career Choices of Medical School Faculty.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to analyze career choices patterns among medical school faculty; A group of 95 physician-teachers from this school answered a 25-item questionnaire. Several statistical procedures were used to define the instrument´s properties and the subjects´ response. Five dimensions of influence were identified: altruism and social outlook, role model, intellectual curiosity, personal fit, and practical convenience. Altogether the subjects showed a moderate multi-item level of positive influence that was stronger for intellectual-curiosity and personal-fit items. Subgroups with distinct levels of influence were identified especially regarding the dimensions of altruism and orientation model. The subjects´ response patterns were related to affiliation with clinical specialty but not to gender, teaching experience, or graduation from the same school. In conclusion, the questionnaire appears to be a useful tool for differentiating the response patterns associated with career choice and the school´s mentoring profile.