Current Medicine Research and Practice (Jun 2024)
Why do young Indians choose to become doctors?
Abstract
Background: Being a doctor is physically and mentally challenging but immensely satisfying, as it is one of the most sought-after professions in India. Every year, about 20 lakh candidates appear for the National Eligibility and Entrance Test, commonly known as the NEET examination, of whom only 80,000 (4%) can secure a seat in a medical college (about 43,000 in government colleges and 37,000 in private institutions). Through a mailed questionnaire, we compared why our students became doctors in India and how they differed from their compatriots in Western countries. Aims: Was the motivation to become a doctor not altruistic but more influenced by financial rewards and social status, and did it change over the years? Was there a difference in the ambitions of those who regretted taking medicine as a career? Materials and Methods: We prepared a questionnaire using Google Forms and sent it through WhatsApp and email to 1000 doctors who had completed their final MBBS examination, including a 1-year compulsory internship, and were working in India as residents, medical officers, consultants in public or private hospitals or running their establishments. The results we received automatically over the Google Forms were analysed. Results: Out of 1000 questionnaires sent to doctors all over India, we received 265 responses. ‘Self-interest/passion for the profession, to relieve suffering’, ‘financial security’ and ‘prestige associated with the profession’ were the most common motivating factors. Seventy-one respondents (26.8%) regretted taking medicine as a career, and they were especially those candidates who joined medicine due to their ‘parent’s wishes’ (P = 0.009), ‘as a means to go abroad’ (P = 0.03) and ‘not sure’ (P < 0.001). Out of those who regretted choosing medicine as a career, only eight wanted to change to a non-medical job. Conclusions: India, a developing country with the world’s largest population, grapples with healthcare challenges. Medical students, often burdened by family expectations, struggle with intrinsic motivation. To address this, we can implement strategies such as lifestyle adjustments, mentorship improvements and granting more autonomy. In addition, compulsory internships can guide students towards their desired career paths.
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