Aptitude of Medical Students at the Entry Gate of Medical Career: A Cross-Sectional Study at Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad

Abstract

Background: A large number of students aim to seek admission to medical colleges. Motivational factors that drive students towards a medical career and how suitable students are in terms of aptitude for medicine is largely unknown, especially in our setting as little research has been conducted on this topic. Objective: Our objectives were to explore the current aptitude of the medical students, and predicting the specialty aptitude of medical students at the time of entry in medical college. Study Design: Questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. Settings: Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad Pakistan. Duration: Two months from March 01, 2020 to April 30, 2020. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study of 1st-year medical students at Faisalabad Medical University was conducted in which they were asked to answer questions pertaining to their current aptitude and future specialty aptitude. The answers were analyzed to get an understanding of current and future aptitudes. Results: Substantial numbers of currently enrolled medical students were having aptitudes not matching with the opted medical career.  Conclusion: A potential new understanding of the relation between local cultural and societal factors to aptitude is needed to devise a better selection procedure for correct allocation of our limited resources to the more suitable and highly motivated students.