Academics of the future? A survey of final year medical students

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to survey fi nal year medical students at an Australian medical school about their views and experiences regarding academic medicine. Methods: A four page questionnaire was developed and administered to each group of fi nal (6th) year medical students upon completion of their psychiatry rotation. Results: For 82% clinical teaching would probably or defi nitely be part of their future careers, while 63% expected that they would undertake formal teaching. Thirty-three percent of students anticipated limited or no involvement in research. While 26% of students expected that they would undertake a higher degree, only 13% were interested in pursuing an academic career. Conclusions: The dearth of academics in medicine and in psychiatry in particular is of considerable concern. This study provides some possible avenues for further exploration to address this professional challenge.