An Observational Study of Choice Preference for Postgraduation and Perception Towards Community Medicine Among the Medical Students of SMS Medical College, Jaipur

Background: Management and institutional reforms require proper and adequate attention, which will help us to achieve Universal Health Coverage. And for this, we need motivated public health specialist in adequate number. For that we need to know whether the students of MBBS are actually convinced and motivated to choose community medicine and public health as their career option and pursue higher studies in these branches. Material and Methods: A cross sectional survey was carried out among 330 MBBS students (2nd year, 3rd year, Final year and Interns) studying in a tertiary care teaching hospital i.e. SMS Medical College, Jaipur. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was used, and information was collected on socio-demographic variables, choice of specialty and reasons for opting and not opting Community Medicine. Total 330 MBBS students and interns participated in the study. It was observed Observations: that only 11 study participants (3.33%) were willing to take up Community Medicine in Post-Graduation. The most common factors for not opting Community Medicine as a career option among the Medical Students are: 1. Students do not have any idea about the subject (Clueless) (27.51%) 2. Less/No clinical Orientation (18.12%). There is limited preference f Conclusions: or Community Medicine as a career choice. Curriculum modication and explanation of career path after Post-Graduation in Community Medicine will help to generate interest in the subject