Interest and Attitudes of Medical, Dental Students and Graduates Towards Pursuing Career in Basic Sciences

Abstract

Objectives: To assess attitudes and perception of medical as well as dental students and graduates about a career in basic sciences from a public sector institute of Karachi. Study design and setting: A cross-sectional survey carried out using an online questionnaire amongst medical and dental final year students and graduates from Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: Data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables with likert scale responses regarding attitudes and perceptions about a career in basic sciences. Results: Out of 315 participants, 41.3% showed interest in basic sciences career. 46.4% of graduates showed interest in basic sciences compared to 15.4% of students. Chi-square test did not reveal any significant association between medical and dental students and graduates and their attitudes and perceptions regarding a career in basic sciences. Conclusion: Overall, a more positive response towards basic sciences was observed in our study, with graduates reported being more attracted to a basic sciences career than students. However, majority believed there is lack of motivation and awareness about this career path, limited career and post-graduation options in basic sciences, no patient interaction and pressure from family creates disinterest in this career.