Expectations of Ecuadorian Medival Residents regarding workplace selection

Abstract

Introduction: During the career of a medical doctor, there are decision-making moments where the following issues are present: gender, life cycle, and economic situation.

Objective: To investigate the expectations of medical residents during the decision-making process of their field of work.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive, qualitative study with an experiential focus. Focus groups were conducted with medical residents of different specializations, from both public and private universities in Quito. The categories analyzed were: expectations for the continuation and construction of one’s career, expectations for one’s professional position, expectations for the balance between professional and family life.

Results: No difference was found among men and women in the discussion, nor among public and private university students. A difference was found among those with and without scholarships and those from Quito and those from outside the city. Postgraduate men and women with scholarships discussed returning to their hometown. They valued the advantages of small town life where there are fewer medical specialists. They had less of a necessity to earn a high income and had hopes for improving the medical profession.

Conclusion: Both men and women have the expectation of subspecializing. It’s clear that this is only possible when economic means are available. For those with economic means, the possibility of travelling and working in another country is present when they do not have direct family responsibilities.