Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 2023/12, 123(12):A55-A56. doi: 10.1515/jom-2023-2000, type of study: ,css,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Full text    (https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/jom-2023-2000/html)

Keywords:

age [430]
career choice [56]
cross sectional study [894]
medical students [694]
osteopathic medicine [2109]
residency [337]
USA [1752]

Abstract:

Statement of Significance: Previous research links medical students’ age to specialty choices. A 2022 Arabian study found higher pathology preference among 21-23-year-olds compared to younger or older students [1]. In a 2004 Canadian study, students desiring family medicine were older than those who desired specialty medicine [2]. However, the impact of age on osteopathic students’ specialty selection remains unexplored. Research Methods: A self-administered anonymous 43-item confidential questionnaire was distributed to all current medical students at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) using an email listserv. The questionnaire included items addressing student perceptions toward OMM, demographic information, desired specialty, and previous occupations. 249 osteopathic medical students completed the questionnaire. The data was collected using RedCap Survey Software. Survey results were tabulated, and respondents were divided into three age groups: 20-25, 26-30, and >31 years old (based on similar studies that divided age into three groups, however here the 31 and over group was used). In the survey specialties were divided into primary care (Family, Peds, OB/GYN, Internal Med, etc.), medical subspecialty (Neuro, PM&R, NMM/OMM, Cardiology, Pulmonary, Emergency Med, etc.), surgical subspecialty (Orthopedics, Urology, Anesthesia, Ophthalmology, ENT, Plastics, etc.), diagnostic medicine (Radiology, Pathology, etc.), and other. Four specialty groups were used for analysis including medicine, primary, surgery, and other. Statistical analysis was performed using a chi-squared test and significance was deemed at p-value <0.05. This study holds significant osteopathic implications as it may inform future strategies for mentorship and guidance tailored to individual needs and aspirations. Data Analysis: Out of 249 students who completed the questionnaire, 36.9% preferred medicine as their future specialty (n=92); primary care: 33.7% (n=84); surgery: 20.5% (n=51); other: 8.8% (n=22). The majority of participants were in the age group 20-25, followed by 26-30, and 31 and above. The age range was: 20 to 65 years. No significant difference was found between the age of osteopathic medical students and their desired specialty. Conclusion: This study investigated the association between age and residency choices in a cohort of osteopathic medical students of all four years. We identified that there was no significant association between the two, indicating that other more important factors may be influencing their choices. Limitations to the study may include response accuracy issues: not all students responded to the survey. Further studies are required in a larger cohort to better understand this relationship.