Publicatie

De invloed van rolmodellen op de specialismekeuze van toekomstige artsen.

Berg, J. van den, Rademakers, J.J.D.J.M., Cate, Th.J. ten. De invloed van rolmodellen op de specialismekeuze van toekomstige artsen. Tijdschrift voor Medisch Onderwijs: 2006, 25(5), p. 227-234.
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Introduction: The choice of a specialty by medical students is affected by many different factors. Personal characteristics and experiences in different specialties play a part as well as various role models. The lack of female role models may explain the under-representation of female specialists and full professors in medicine. Special features of role models, the effects and the possible use of role models were investigated. Whenever possible, the difference between male and female students was reported. Method: A literature search of the national and international literature was performed using Medline and other search tools. Results: The search yielded 10 relevant articles about the influence of role models on medical students’ choice of specialty. Six studies reported a positive relationship between role models and specialty choice. One study reported no positive effect. Two studies showed that female role models can play an important role in attracting female students into surgery. Conclusion and discussion: Role models can play an important role in medical students’ choice of specialty. Universities and specialties can make use of this fact by ensuring that students are presented with role models at suitable stages during the curriculum. (aut. ref.)