Timing and motivation in pediatric career choices.

A total of 257 third-year residents in pediatrics, internal medicine, and family practice were asked about their career goals for the year following their residency and in five years, and information was obtained from them about their motives for career choices. The authors specifically examined the following: humanitarian interests; intellectual motivation; service motives; and practical, personal, and financial considerations. The characteristics of the residency training program which may have influenced their career choices were also examined. A majority of the 214 pediatric residents said they had not considered going into pediatrics on entry to medical school. Of these residents, 109 planned academic pursuits for the following year, while only 81 of the 109 anticipated an academic career within five years. Intellectual stimulation, geographic location, and an "opportunity to clarify goals" were the three most frequently mentioned factors in choosing positions for the following year.