ArticleBMC medical education2026
Specialty preferences and influencing factors among undergraduate medical students in Ain Shams University.
Article in BMC medical education, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Pushed, Pulled, and Moored: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Migration Intentions Among Medical Trainees in the Arab Region.Journal of epidemiology and global health · 2026Pooled it
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Authors and funding
2 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundSelecting a medical specialty is a vital step for medical students. Numerous cultural, educational, and personal variables impact this decision. The purpose of this study is to determine the distribution of specialty choices among medical students at Ain Shams University, to identify factors that influence these preferences, and to compare specialty preferences and influencing factors between Egyptian and non-Egyptian students.
methodsAbout 413 medical students of Ain Shams University participated in a cross-sectional study, comprising both Egyptian and non-Egyptian students across all academic years and internship levels. Stratified random sampling was performed. Data was gathered via a standardized, self-administered questionnaire including demographic and social data, specialty preferences, and reasons for those preferences.
resultsClinical specializations were selected by more than 94% of students, with internal medicine and general surgery coming in first (each at 12.3%), next being gynecology and obstetrics (11.6%). Passion and personal interest were the top drivers of specialty choice (69.2%), consistent across genders and nationalities. Male students showed a modest preference for specialties traditionally associated with higher income potential, whereas female students were more likely to express interest in specialties emphasizing patient-centered care. Over half (51.6%) expressed a preference to work abroad, particularly among non-Egyptian students.
conclusionMost medical students preferred clinical specialties, with personal passion being the strongest motivator. Nationality and gender significantly affect both specialty choice and future work location. These results emphasize the necessity of laws that deal with both student aspirations and the broader needs of the healthcare system.
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