Impact of the new Japanese medical specialty system on residents' career choices in general medicine: a nationwide cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

General medicine (GM) was formally recognized as a specialty in Japan in 2018 to address the need for primary care. Understanding factors influencing GM career choices is critical for recruitment. However, the reform's impact on career decision-making remains unclear. This study examined factors influencing GM career choices following the introduction of the new specialty certification and identified challenges in this field.

METHODS

A secondary analysis of national survey data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's questionnaire (2018-2020) for clinical training graduates examined post-training career intentions of specializing in GM, focusing on factors influencing choices such as demographics, education, and training contexts. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted with post-training GM preference as the dependent variable. The results are expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Among 16,674 complete responses, 59% of the 229 individuals initially interested in GM actually pursued it post-training. Positive factors included regional quotas (aOR 3.10, 95% CI 1.12-8.56), ≤ 1 month GM rotation (aOR 3.39, 95% CI 1.03-11.14), > 2 months community medicine (CM) rotations (aOR 13.35, 95% CI 2.40-76.58), desire for primary care skills (aOR 4.85, 95% CI 2.01-11.73), and community contribution aspirations (aOR 6.88, 95% CI 2.75-17.21). The most influential negative factor was perceived ease of specialization maintenance (aOR 0.01, 95% CI 0.00-0.12). Among 16,445 individuals who preferred other specialties, 86 switched to GM. Extended GM rotations (1<-≤2 months: aOR 3.54, 95% CI 2.06-6.09; >2 months: aOR 7.41, 95% CI 4.56-12.04) increased the likelihood of switching. Academic interest (aOR 0.36, 95% CI 0.23-0.58) and perceived ease of maintaining specialization (aOR 0.13, 95% CI 0.03-0.54) were negative factors.

CONCLUSIONS

GM rotations may positively influence career choices, with longer CM rotations potentially increasing interest. Establishing clear career paths and educating resident physicians about the academic characteristics of GM remain challenging despite its recognition as a specialty.