Does Malpractice Risk Deter Medical Students From Pursuing Obstetrics and Gynecology?

TL;DR

Medical students are influenced by malpractice risk and gender-specific factors when deciding whether to pursue obstetrics and gynecology.

Contribution

This study identifies gender-specific factors and malpractice risk as key influences in medical students' decisions to pursue or avoid Ob/Gyn.

Findings

Malpractice litigation risk was the third most common deterrent for students avoiding Ob/Gyn.

Male students cited disinterest and patient population as reasons, while females emphasized lifestyle and competitiveness.

Female students were more likely to be deterred by liability concerns and competitiveness in the specialty.

Abstract

Background

This research addresses the intricate process through which medical students choose or reject a specialty by investigating the factors that influence their decisions. One such factor is malpractice risk, which is a substantial consideration in specialties with higher risk for malpractice litigation, such as obstetrics and gynecology (Ob/Gyn). Our research probes the relationship between medical students’ perception of risk for malpractice litigation and specialty preference by exploring the factors that deter medical students from choosing the field of Ob/Gyn and elucidating the factors that impact specialty choice.

Methods

Conducted as an online survey via email, our research engaged medical students across all four graduating class years (Class of 2022 to 2025) at Western University of Health Sciences Pomona and Western University of Health Sciences of Northwest osteopathic medical schools. There is a ratio of 75 males to every 100 females per graduating class (Class of 2022 to 2025). Rigorous beta testing and multiple revisions preceded the survey. Reminder emails were sent at 1- and 3-week intervals after distribution. We employed Pearson’s Chi-square tests and Fisher’s exact test to identify factors influencing specialty choice and assess perceived medico-legal risk.

Results

We obtained responses from 392 medical students across all four classes. The total respondents were 150 males and 242 females. Our analysis revealed that risk for malpractice litigation ranked as the third most prevalent factor dissuading medical students from pursuing Ob/Gyn; however, gender-specific disparities among other factors also played a role. Males cited disinterest, female predominance, and patient population as reasons against choosing Ob/Gyn, while females emphasized lifestyle and competitiveness. The study underscored factors pivotal for those choosing Ob/Gyn, including patient-related aspects and procedural abilities.

Conclusions

Medical liability did not significantly influence osteopathic medical students already planning to pursue Ob/Gyn, whereas gender emerged as a key factor among those deterred. Male students demonstrated greater awareness of medico-legal practice laws, though both genders reported only limited knowledge. Among those not choosing Ob/Gyn, females cited competitiveness, liability concerns, and lifestyle as significant deterrents. These gender-specific differences highlight disparities in medical education and underscore the need for targeted mentorship and educational initiatives to foster diversity within the specialty. Understanding these factors can help medical schools support students' specialty decisions and develop strategies to cultivate a more balanced workforce.

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