"Cold feet": A qualitative study of medical students who seriously considered emergency medicine but chose another specialty.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Emergency medicine (EM) has historically been among the most competitive specialties in the United States. However, in 2022 and 2023, 219 of 2921 and 554 of 3010 respective National Resident Matching Program positions were initially unfilled. Medical students' selection of a medical specialty is a complex process. To better understand recent trends in the EM residency match, this qualitative study explored through one-on-one interviews the rationale of senior medical students who seriously considered EM but ultimately pursued another specialty.

Methods

A convenience sample of senior medical students from across the United States was recruited via multiple mechanisms after the 2023 match. Participant characteristics were collected via an online survey. Qualitativ

SUBMITTER: Akhavan AR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10955612 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature