Applicants to the University of Adelaide Medical School: Influences, motivation and alternative career choices

Abstract

Aims: To determine the motivations and influences on applicants applying to medical school and the alternative tertiary courses chosen by unsuccessful applicants. Background: Medicine is an increasingly popular career choice, with a large number of applicants for each medical school place. It requires specific skills, and the medical school selection processes attempt to identify applicants with the required skills. Methods: A questionnaire-based survey of 2,150 applicants to the University of Adelaide Medical School course in 2007 was conducted, with an overall response rate of 51% (1097/2150). Descriptive analysis was undertaken on applicant motivations for applying to medical school, influences on their application and alternative tertiary courses chosen by unsuccessful applicants. Logistic regression was used to determine which factors were associated with different applicant stages. Results: The most common motivations for applying to medical school were a desire to help others, an affinity for science and enjoying interacting with others. Compared with the unsuccessful group, successful applicants to medical school were significantly more likely to be motivated to study medicine by their enjoyment of science (OR, 4.30) and interacting with people (OR, 5.84). In contrast to the unsuccessful group, the successful group were more likely to have their application influenced by their local general practitioner (GP) (OR, 3.65), perceived academic ability (OR, 2.65) and the prospect of financial security (OR, 2.62). Of the applicants who were unsuccessful in their application, 65% (636/980) were accepted into an alternative tertiary course. Of these, 58% (369/636) were accepted into a course in a health-related field, the most common health-related course being medical sciences (108/369). Conclusions: This study offers findings on the motivations and influences on applying to medical school for one cohort. While a large number of students may not be successful in their application, many maintain their interest in a career in health-related fields, indicating the sincerity of their motivations. This is important in terms of future workforce planning.