Choice of medical specialty and personality traits measured with the EPQ-R(S) in medical students and specialist doctors

Objective: The study was conducted to examine the differences between personality traits of medical students choosing future specialties and among specialist doctors. Methods: Two groups were tested: students and specialist doctors, totaling 87 people. The former consisted of 5th and 6th year medical students (48 people), and the latter included doctors of various specialties (39 people). All statistical analyses were performed using Statistica 10 software. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05. The Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised Short form (EPQ-R(S)) was used to conduct personality assessments. Results: In the student group, there were no differences in the personality traits measured with the EPQ-R(S) depending on their preferred specialty (surgical, non-surgical, pediatric, internal medicine specialties or areas which do not require contact with the patient). In the group of doctors, there were no differences in personality traits measured with the EPQ-R(S) pediatric and surgical specialists. Internal medicine specialists had a significantly higher level of extraversion. Conclusion: Personality traits are not the most important factor influencing the choice of the professional path in young Polish doctors. Contrary to the stereotypes prevailing in the medical environment, also among specialist doctors, the personality-related differences are not so obvious. The results of this study can be used in medical career counseling, in order to help young medical students to choose their future career paths.