Medical school factors and career choice of psychiatry

Abstract

Using questionnaires sent to training directors, the relationships between 35 medical school variables and selection of psychiatry by students was examined. There were apparently complex but significant relationships between medical school factors and choice of psychiatry. Variables most strongly predictive of recruitment are the academic rank of the director, the in-house prestige of the department of psychiatry and the receipt of a teaching award by the director. The role of the director is evidently crucial for recruitment and departmental efforts which augment the prestige of the department should enhance recruitment.