Abstract:
Among the comlex issues in medical education, this article discusses premature choice os specialty by medical students. Although this early decision has generally been recognized by the medical education community as harmful to the training of future physicians, it has become increasingly frequente, and it has even been stimulated by those in charge of medical schools. Such practice may foster inadequate preparation for the profession, to the extent that students still in undergraduate training would tend to neglect the basic course subjects by studing them halfheartedly, while focusing on their chosen specialty. Aspects of the specialization process, current trends in medical practice, and issus related to medical education are included in this survey of 202 students and 60 graduates of a private medical school in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The study aims to identify, among students from the first, third, and fifth years in a six-year undergraduate course, the factors associated with premature choice of one’s medical specialty. Among graduates, the study focuses on cencepts concerning current professional status via-à-vis undergraduate training. Associated with the national curricular guidelines and a historical moment in wich changes are accurring in medical education in Brazil, the study provides relevant suggestions for medical school deans, faculty, and student.
Key-words:
Specialties, Medical; Career Choice; Education, Medical