Factors Affecting the Selection of Future Sub-specialties Among Paediatric Residents in Saudi Residency Training During the 2016–2017 Academic Year

Purpose: Career selection is crucial for workforce distribution; thus, medical school students and residents must choose their career plans. Similar to other specialties, there are many career options in paediatrics. Choosing from many options is not an easy task. This study aimed to determine the factors affecting the selection of future sub-specialties among paediatric residents registered in a Saudi residency training programme. Method: A cross-sectional study using a validated self-administered questionnaire was conducted to collect data from 350 residents registered for Saudi board training during the 2016–2017 academic year in five main cities (Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Madinah, Abha, and Al Khobar). The participants were surveyed at the end of the year during the promotion, first and second parts of the Saudi board examinations. The questionnaire included 24 items that sampled three main areas affecting career decisions, including personal and work achievements (1–9), the specialty training process (10–16), specialty characteristics (17–24), and demographic data. Results: The response rate was 81%. The sub-specialty lifestyle was the most often reported factor to influence career choice by 193 out of 282 (68%) of the residents, followed by interest in a specific disease by 177 (62%) and future income by 177 (62%). Elective rotation in a chosen sub-specialty was reported by 170 (60%) of the residents. A significant association was noted for residents who received mentoring or career counselling at any time before or during residency; they were more likely to choose their future sub-specialty (p-value < 0.007). No differences were found by gender for choosing critical or noncritical sub-specialties; however, females were more interested in endocrinology and cardiology while males preferred gastroenterology and paediatric emergency medicine. Conclusion: Career selection is a complex process with many contributing factors. Our study showed that sub-specialty characteristics (lifestyle and/or an interest in specific diseases or patient populations) play a major role in future career choices among Saudi paediatric residents. Personal preferences and work achievements have minor effects