SPECIALIZATION AMONG DOCTORS IN PAKISTAN IN THE ERA OF CENTRAL INDUCTION: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON THE VIEWS OF POSTGRADUATE TRAINEES

Abstract

The present study was intended to determine the specialty choices among doctors of Pakistan with respect to gender and training program. Data pertaining to postgraduate trainees enrolled in both FCPS and MS / MD programs was gathered from administrative staff of 3 teaching hospitals of Rawalpindi which were Holy Family Hospital (HFH), Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH) and DHQ Hospital through informed consent. Data was collected regarding number of male and female trainees enrolled in each training program. Data was analyzed by using MS Excel 2016. Chisquare test was applied to measure the gender and program-wise (FCPS / MS /MD) difference in opting Medicine versus Surgery & Allied training programs for postgraduation. P<0.05 was considered significant. About 57.1% and 42.9% trainees were enrolled in FCPS part-II training and MS / MD programs respectively. Most (55.1%) were females. Of the total 635 trainees, 189 were enrolled in Surgery & Allied programs while 160 were registered in Medicine & Allied specialties. About 99 were enrolled in Gynecology & Obstetrics and relatively less trainees were registered in Pediatrics, Anesthesia, Radiology, ENT and Ophthalmology.