A survey on the perception of the specialty of Endocrinology and Nutrition among students preparing for the entrance exam for medical specialty training in Spain

Abstract

Introduction and aims: Previous studies have shown that there is decreasing interest in E&N among medical students. The aim of our study was to evaluate the perception of E&N among a sample of medical students.

Material and methods: We surveyed 2252 students prior to taking the exam that allows access to specialised training in Spain.

Results: Overall, 9.9% (222 participants) would probably choose E&N. The most positive aspects in includes of the specialty are its logical pathophysiological basis (54%) and that the work is dynamic and varied (27%), while the least attractive aspects are the few interventional techniques. The parts of the specialty that most attract students are hypothalamic-pituitary disease and diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions: The proportion of candidates who want to study E&N as their first choice is adequate in relation to the number of places available.

Keywords: Encuesta; Endocrinology & Nutrition; Endocrinología y Nutrición; Estudiantes; Formación; Students; Survey; Training.