# Reasons for Choosing Dermatology as a Career Choice Among the Dermatology Residents of the Sudan Medical Specialization Board

## TL;DR

This study explores why Sudanese dermatology residents chose their specialty, highlighting lifestyle and career factors.

## Contribution

The study identifies key lifestyle and professional factors influencing dermatology career choices in Sudan.

## Key findings

- Low stress and fewer emergency calls were top factors for choosing dermatology.
- Female residents showed more interest in cosmetology compared to males.
- Most residents decided on dermatology after graduation, not before.

## Abstract

Background and Objectives: Understanding the factors that influence medical doctors' choice of specialty is key to achieving a balanced distribution of healthcare professionals across various medical disciplines. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the decision to pursue dermatology as a specialty among residents enrolled in the dermatology program at the Sudan Medical Specialization Board (SMSB) (Khartoum, SDN).

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among dermatology residents. A predesigned, self-administered questionnaire was distributed electronically to all SMSB-dermatology residents. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics version 24 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Descriptive statistics were employed to quantify categorical variables. Chi-square tests were used to compare factors influencing specialty choice. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: There were 313 participants, of whom 304 (97.1%) were female and nine (2.9%) were male. Most (237, 75.7%) were aged between 25 and 35 years, with 236 (75.4%) being married. A large majority (272, 86.9%) chose dermatology after graduation, while 41 (13.1%) decided before graduating. Key factors influencing the choice of dermatology were lifestyle-related, including low stress (284, 90.7%), fewer emergency calls (265, 84.7%), more free time (223, 71.2%), research opportunities (215, 68.7%), financial prospects (209, 66.8%), private sector opportunities (199, 63.6%), the attractiveness of being a dermatologist (198, 63.3%), and procedural opportunities (184, 58.8%). Only 27 participants (8.6%) had a dermatologist in the family, indicating minimal family influence. There was a significant association between gender and subspecialty preference: females were more interested in cosmetology, while males preferred andrology and dermatopathology.

Conclusion: Various factors, as well as both undergraduate and postgraduate dermatology training, influence residents' choice of dermatology as a career.