Choosing a Career: the undergraduate dilemma

Some studies investigating how, when and why doctors had made their career decisions are briefly reviewed. In addition the findings of a preliminary prospective enquiry to gather information concerning students' career decisions are presented. Comments are made concerning the importance of the period at medical school for students in forming a career decision; the role of advanced training in this process and the complex nature of this decision. The author concludes that it is the ethical duty of all undergraduate teachers to consider these matters if they are to take on appropriate responsibility to act as tutors and mentors for the students they train.