Generalist training and the professional practice option according to the student’s perception

Abstract: Introduction: Since the National Curricular Guidelines for the Medicine course were implemented, with emphasis on the training of professionals with a generalist profile, the factors that may contribute to the interest in professional practice are unknown. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the perception of medical students regarding their generalist training and the factors that influence the desire for professional practice. Methodology: Descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study of qualitative and explanatory character with 523 students from different medical courses in the city of Salvador-Bahia, who answered an online survey after signing the informed consent form. The sample was categorized into interest in Immediate Specialization (IS) and among those who intend to Act as a Generalist (AG). The age and period of the course were also categorized into groups. Results: The age of the sample was 18 to 25 years in 83.7% (n = 438), with 72.5% (n = 380) being female, attending 69% of the 4º to 9º semesters (n = 363). The Immediate Specialization group represented 27.2% (95% CI: 35% -73%) and the group that intends to Act as a Generalist, 72.8% (95% CI: 68% -76%). General training did not influence the option for professional practice with RR = 0.81 (95% CI: 0.55-1.20) p = 0.308. The factors associated with AG were believing in the generalist’s resolution capacity and SUS guidelines (p