Medical students’ career preferences in Bangladesh

Abstract Aim This study aimed to investigate the career preferences among Bangladeshi medical students, identify the factors that influence their present choices, and additionally report the role of gender and academic year behind their decisions. Methods This cross-sectional study conducted in Bangladesh from August 2022 to April 2023 included 801 medical students conveniently selected from medical colleges in eight divisions. Data were collected using a web-based survey and analysed using STATA version 16.0. Statistical tests included the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, frequency, and Kruskal-Wallis H test. The response rate was 94.6%, and the CHERRIES guideline was followed for reporting the results. Result The majority of the participants were female (64.42%) and under the age of 23 years (58.8%). The study revealed that medicine was the preferred career choice for the majority of students (65%), with surgery being the most popular first choice (30.21%) among them. Female medical students showed a significantly higher preference for gynaecology & obstetrics (p