Impact of Career Design Simulation on Japanese Medical Students: An Educational Study.

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of career design simulation on the attitude of Japanese medical students toward doctoral life planning, including qualification acquisition.

METHODS

In this study, we conducted a career-design simulation trial with fourth-year medical students. The three-hour course comprised lectures on career design and individual career design, including an ideal plan and a modified plan according to unexpected work and life events, as well as group discussions. Nine questions regarding career design attitude (awareness, significance, or intention to acquire a doctoral degree or medical specialty, work-life balance, and flexibility) were answered in both pre- and post-career design simulation training.

RESULTS

The response rate was 67.5% (79/117). Attitudes toward career design significantly improved after the career design simulation, regardless of the duration after graduation (p < 0.001, each). Attitudes toward the significance of doctorate degrees significantly improved after participation (p = 0.007), while attitudes toward medical specialties did not (p = 0.128). In contrast, confidence in obtaining a medical specialty and doctoral degree was improved by career design simulations (p = 0.009 and p = 0.003, respectively).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that career design simulations can be an effective educational method for developing active learning, motivation for career image, and lifelong education.