M.D.–Ph.D. Career Motivations at Matriculation

• In Event: 46.054 - Doctoral Career Motivation and Trajectories

Abstract

In the nexus of increasing MDPHD enrollment and persistent problems of gender and racial/ethnic diversity, this study seeks to understand how career motivations differ between MDPHD and other-MD program matriculants, and whether gender or race/ethnicity moderate these motivations. The dataset included a nationally-representative sample of 47,097 MD matriculants for the years 2001-2006. Using exploratory factor analysis of 20 Matriculating Student Questionnaire (MSQ) items to develop five motivational factors (Research, Altruism, Decision-Making, Professional Benefits, and Independence), we found significant differences between the two matriculant types. In the second phase of analysis, we propose using these factors, along with the respondent’s gender and race/ethnicity, to predict MDPHD matriculation in a multivariate logistic regression model. Implications for MDPHD recruitment and retention are discussed.

Authors

• Daniel M Read, University of Virginia

• Donna B. Jeffe, Washington University in St. Louis

• Dorothy Andriole, Washington University in St. Louis

• Heather D. Wathington, University of Virginia

• Robert H. Tai, University of Virginia

• Mary T. Hall, University of Virginia