Motivation and preparedness of first semester medical students for a career in medicine.

PURPOSE To determine motivation of medical students towards a medical career, and their knowledge of and preparation for it. METHODS After ethical committee approval, students admitted in 2009, who volunteered, were administered an anonymous questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was done. RESULTS Of 150 students admitted, 103 (68.7%) submitted completed questionnaires. Fifty-seven students (55%) got admission after > or = 2 attempts; 65 (63%) decided on a medical career before class ten. Accurate knowledge about the curriculum was poor even though many had a family member in the health field and were encouraged to take up medicine. Only half had sought guidance from a medical person; most had never undergone career preparation activity. CONCLUSION Students are early deciders and highly motivated to join medicine. Family is a strong motivator and could encourage career preparation activities. Policy makers could design interventions to inform school students before they make the critical decision to join medicine.