Future recruitment into obstetrics and gynaecology: Factors affecting early career choice

Medical students attending a careers talk in obstetrics and gynaecology at Nottingham University were approached in this survey, to identify factors which influenced an early career choice in O&G. We received 60 responses, giving a response rate of 83.3%. The positive factors that encouraged an early career choice of O&G were: a positive undergraduate O&G attachment; consultant and junior doctor role-models; a good mix of medicine and surgery; availability of hands-on opportunities and early career advice. The perception of long working hours was not a negative influence. Male medical students were put-off by the lack of opportunity to undertake pelvic examinations.