Why a Medical Career and What are the 
Pros and Cons of medical profession: 

Beliefs of Students at Lumbini Medical College
Sahadev Prasad Dhungana,a,b MS Poudel,a,b Bishal KC,a,b Shamsuddina,b

—–—————————————————————————————————————————————

ABSTRACT:
Introduction: Medicine is one of the noblest of all professions and is one of the rapidly expanding fields with 
increasing number of private medical colleges in the past few years. Several international studies over the years 
have explored perceptions and preferences of students in choosing a career in medicine. This study was done with 
the objective to assess students’ views regarding selection of medicine as a career. Methods: A survey study was 
conducted at Lumbini Medical College Teaching Hospital (LMCTH) where 300 students of both sexes were asked 
to fill a structured questionnaire. Results: All medical students mentioned that they selected the medical profession 
because of personal interest. Of them, 285 (95%) students believed this profession offers services to humanity. 
However, 240 (80%) students felt that their family had an influence in their career selection. Among discouraging 
factors, 234 (78%) students mentioned that medical training is difficult and prolonged, 210 (70%) students said that 
the course is too expensive, 225 (75%) students felt that there is too much competition while 186 (62%) students 
expressed that doctors have excessive working hours and lack social life. Major factors in choosing LMCTH as 
study destination were compulsion because of failure to enroll at other colleges 180(60%), easy access to admission 
120 (40%), cheaper than other medical colleges 165 (55%) and location near to hometown 24 (8%). Some of the 
discouraging factors were limited facilities 210 (70%), insufficient faculty members 270 (90%), newly established 
college and uncertain future 90 (30%). Conclusion: Study concluded that reasons for joining medical profession 
are primarily based on personal interest, respect and honor, family influence and service to humanity; however, long 
working hours, prolonged training, expensive study, discourages many students.

Keywords: medical profession • encouraging • discouraging factors
———————————————————————————————————————————————

___________________________________________________________________________________

a - Lecturer
b - Department of Medicine
     Lumbini Medical College Teaching Hospital, Palpa, Nepal

Corresponding Author:
Dr. Sahadev Prashad Dhungana
e-mail: spdhungana@rediffmail.com

How to cite this article:
Dhungana SP, Poudel MS, KC B, Shamsuddin. Why a medical career 
and what are the pros and cons of medical profession: beliefs of 
students at Lumbini Medical College. Journal of Lumbini Medical 
College.  2013;1(1):10-2. doi:10.22502/jlmc.v1i1.4.
___________________________________________________________________________________

J. Lumbini. Med. Coll. Vol 1, No 1, Jan-June 2013

Original Research Article

jlmc.edu.np

https://doi.org/10.22502/jlmc.v1i1.4

INTRODUCTION:
Medicine is the applied science or practice of 

the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.1 It 
is one of the noblest of all professions, takes its name 
from the Latin word 'ars medicina', which means the 
art of healing.2 In Nepal, it is widely sought after and 

is one of the rapidly expanding fields with increasing 
number of private medical colleges in the last few 
years. Several international studies over the years 
have explored perceptions and preferences of students 
in choosing a career in medicine. Also, sometimes 
medical students and graduates face the dilemma 
of remaining in or leaving the profession.3 The most 
important determinants of career choice in previous 
studies appeared to be personal interest, opportunity, 
flexible working hours and part-time practice. In the 
recent past, it has been observed that students mostly 
from a middle class background and having an 
outstanding academic record at high schools are able 
to get admission in medical colleges. The professional 
beliefs of burgeoning medical students have been 
studied in a number of other countries.4-6 In most of 
the studies of developed countries, the majority of 
respondents reported that their interest in interaction 
with people, a wide range of job opportunities, fact 

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Dhungana SP. et al. Why a medical career and what are the pros and cons of medical profession

that medicine is a highly-appreciated profession 
and their desire to acquire more knowledge greatly 
influenced their decision to enter medicine.7 Moreover, 
today’s students are reported to have different work 
priorities and personal motivations, both of which 
impact learning.8,9 How well the findings from 
international studies generalize to students at Nepal 
medical schools is unclear due to likely differences 
in culture, institutional practices, health systems and 
medical practice. Our study evaluates the perceptions 
and preferences of Nepalese students regarding career 
selection. The aim of our study was to investigate the 
merits and demerits of medical profession as visualized 
by the medical students in their career selection. The 
reasons that influence students to choose medicine 
and their association with a satisfying career will be 
established.

METHODS:
 A survey study based on convenience sampling 
was done at Lumbini Medical College Teaching 
Hospital, Palpa Nepal, where 300 students of both sexes 
from pre-clinical (first and second year) and clinical 
science (third and fourth year) were included; 150 
from pre-clinical and 150 from clinical side. They were 
asked to fill a structured questionnaire and the results 
were analyzed using Microsoft excel. All potential 
responders were clearly advised that participation in 
this survey was voluntary and anonymous.

RESULTS:
 Out of the 350 questionnaires distributed, 300 
were returned completed and 20 were incompletely 
filled up. Characteristics of students are given in Table 1. 
 Average age of respondents was 20.2 years 
and majorities were males 186(62%). 252(84%) of 
students were from urban areas of different parts of 
Nepal. 294(98%) of students secured at least first 
division at School Leaving Certificate and intermediate 
level. Majority 240(80%) of the students’ mothers were 
working as housewives (Table 1) and majority of the 
fathers were engaged in business of various kinds. 
Participants were asked to indicate their responses 
regarding their selection of medicine as a career (Fig 1).
 Of the 300 students, 100% students considered 
that they had a personal interest in studying medicine. 
240 (80%) students were of the opinion that their 
families influenced them to become doctors, whereas 
the factor of "respect and honor" inspired 258 (86%) 
students in choosing their profession. 66 (22%) 
students had doctors in their families. 66 (22%) 
students believed that there was a great financial reward 
for doctors. Interestingly, about one quarter 69 (23%) 
students believed that they were studying medicine as 
a means to go abroad. A greater proportion of students 
(92%) were satisfied with their medical profession 
and 261 (87%) students expressed their willingness to 
reselect medicine if they were given a second chance. 
Among discouraging factors, 270 (90%) of students 
said that study is too expensive and 246 (82%) of 

Table 1: Characteristics of students included in study (N=300)
No. of pre-clinical students 150
No. of clinical students 150
Age (years), median (range) 18-23
Male 186 (62%)

Hometown Urban-252(84%), Rural - 84 (28%)

Schooling of students
Boarding school-288(96%)
Community school-12(4%)

College
Private- 288 (96%)
Government-12 (4%)

Parents profession

Mother
Housewife-240(80%),
Others- 60 (20%)

Father

Business-165(55%)
Government post-66 (22%)
Health professional 45(15%)
Farmer-15 (5%)
Others-9 (3%)

students felt that it is difficult and prolonged training 
whereas 240(80%) students believed that there is too 
much competition in medicine.
 Excessive working hours of doctors discouraged 
120 (40%) students whereas 60 (20%) students believed 
that doctors have no social life. Surprisingly, 36 (12%) 
of the students thought that medicine offers less financial 
rewards.15 (5%) of the students had the impression that 
doctors run after money and parents are losing faith in 
doctors. Students were asked about future plan after 
completion of study and the response were that they 
will work in urban area 180 (60%), work in rural area 
168 (56%), join government service 60 (20%), respect 
medical ethics and run after money 282 (94%), have 
academic interest and join teaching institution 33 
(11%), go abroad 15 (5%), earn as much as money 
by any possible means 9 (3%) and establish their own 
hospital 9 (3%). Major factors in choosing LMC as 
study destination were compulsion because of failure 
to enroll at other colleges for 180 (60%), easy access to 
admission for 120 (40%), cheaper than other medical 
colleges for 165 (55%) and located near hometown for 

11

Dhungana SP et al

results were analyzed using Microso�  excel. All poten� al 
responders were clearly advised that par� cipa� on in this 
survey was voluntary and anonymous.

RESULTS 
Out of the 350 ques� onnaires distributed, 300 were 
returned completed and 20 were incompletely fi lled up. 
Characteris� cs of students are given in Table 1.

Table 1: Characteris� cs of students included in study at 
Lumbini Medical College and Teaching Hospital (N=300)

No. of  pre-clinical students 150

No. of clinical students 150

Age (years), median (range)   18-23

Male 186 (62%)

Home town Urban-252(84%), Rural - 84 (28%)

Schooling of students Boarding school-288(96%
Community school-12(4%)

College Private- 288(96%), Government-12 
(4%)

Parents’ profession

Mother 

Father  

Housewife-240(80%),
Others- 60 (20%)

Business-165(55%)
Government post-66 (22%)
Health professional-45 (15%)
Farmer-15 (5%)
Others-9 (3%)

Average age of respondents was 20.2 years and majori� es 
were males 186(62%).  252(84%) of students were from 
urban areas of different parts of Nepal. 288(96%) of 
students had schooling and college study from boarding 
school and private ins� tu� on respec� vely. 294(98%) of 
students secured at least fi rst division at School Leaving 
Cer� fi cate and intermediate level. Majority of students’ 
mother are working as housewife 240(80%) and fathers 
are engaged in business of various kinds 162(54%), 
government job 66(22%) and health profession 45(15%).

Participants were asked to indicate their responses 
regarding their selec� on of medicine as a career (Diagram 
1). Of the 300 students, 100% students considered 
that they had a personal interest in studying medicine. 
240(80%) students were of the opinion that their families 
infl uenced them to become doctor, whereas the factor 
of "respect and honor" inspired 258(86%) students in 
choosing their profession, 66(22%) students had doctors 
in their families. 66(22%) students believed that there 
was a great fi nancial reward for doctors. Interes� ngly 
about one quarter, 69(23%) students believed that 
they were studying medicine as a means to go abroad. 

A greater propor� on of students (92%) were sa� sfi ed 
with their medical profession and 261(87%) students 
expressed their willingness to reselect medicine if they 
were given a second chance. 

Among discouraging factors, 270(90%) of students said 
that study is too expensive. 246(82%) of students felt that 
it is diffi  cult and prolonged training.  240(80%) students 
believed that there is too much compe� � on in medicine. 
Excessive working hours of doctors discouraged 120 (40%) 
students whereas 60(20%) students believed that doctors 
have no social life. Surprisingly, 36(12%) of the students 
thought that medicine off ers less fi nancial rewards.15(5%) 
of the students had the impression that doctors run a� er 
money and pa� ents are losing faith on doctors.

Students were asked about their plan in future a� er 
comple� on of study. They are of the opinion that they 
will work in urban area 180(60%), work in rural area 
168(56%), join government service 60(20%), respect 
medical ethics and run a� er money 282(94%), have 
academic interest and join teaching ins� tu� on 33(11%), 
go abroad 15(5%), earn as much as money by any 
possible means 9(3%), establish own hospital 9(3%).

Major factors in choosing LMC as study des� na� on 
were compulsion because of failure to enroll at other 
colleges 180(60%), easy access to admission120 (40%), 
cheaper than other medical colleges 165(55%), located 
near to hometown 24(8%). Some of the discouraging 
factors were limited facili� es 210(70%), insuffi  cient 
faculty members 270(90%), newly established college 
and uncertain future 90(30%). 

When asked about the areas which can be improved at 
Lumbini medical College, majority students responded 
that there are insuffi  cient faculty members 270(90%), 
limited facili� es like place and quality of food, playing 
ground, library facili� es, internet service, and improper 
administra� ve management.

225(75%) students responded that they will recommend 
their rela� ves to choose medicine as a career. 252(84%) 
students feel unsecured about joining post graduate 
training a� er comple� on of MBBS. 240(80%) students feel 

Diagram 1: Factors for choosing medicine as a profession 
(N-300)

Fig 1: Factors for choosing medicine as a profession (N-300)

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J. Lumbini. Med. Coll. Vol 1, No 1, Jan-June 2013

Dhungana SP. et al. Why a medical career and what are the pros and cons of medical profession

jlmc.edu.np

24 (8%) students. Some of the discouraging factors 
were limited facilities 210 (70%), insufficient faculty 
members in 270 (90%), newly established college and 
uncertain future for 90 (30%) students. When asked 
about the areas which can be improved at Lumbini 
Medical College, majority students responded that 
there are insufficient faculty members 270 (90%), 
limited facilities like place and quality of food, playing 
ground, library facilities, internet service, and improper 
administrative management. 225 (75%) students 
responded that they will recommend their relatives 
to choose medicine as a career. 252 (84%) students 
feel insecure about joining post graduate training 
after completion of MBBS. 240 (80%) students feel  
that MBBS curriculum is tougher than expected. 36 
(12%) of students feel pressured from their parents to 
earn amount of money spent during their study. 100% 
students opined that hard work, guidance from teachers 
and punctuality are required to be a good MBBS 
graduate. Students would choose Kathmandu Medical 
College 105 (35%), Kathmandu University School of 
Medical Sciences 84 (28%), Manipal Medical College 
36 (12%) if they had opportunity to do so.

DISCUSSION:
 Medical profession is said to be a noble one and 
has its own merits and demerits. Doctor's professional 
life is filled with care for people, interaction with 
people from different backgrounds, challenges, 
knowledge and wisdom. According to a report of Royal 
College of Physicians, the core values of the medical 
profession are integrity, compassion, altruism and 
excellence that are glued to a set of values including 
team work and continuous improvement.10 The top 
ranking reason why almost all students chose medicine 
as a career was based on personal interest, service to 
humanity and respect and honor. Studies done in the 
West reported that 70% of the males and females chose 
this profession because they had high interest in it.11 
In our study, 300 (100%) students considered that they 
had a personal interest in studying medicine. A high 
proportion of students 225 (75%) were encouraged 
by their families which showed that family support/ 
pressure was a major factor in influencing young 
minds which has also been reported by Ehsan et al, in 
his study.12 Surprisingly, for only 66 (22%) students, 
monetary reward was one of the considerations. Hence, 
from our study, we could clearly make out that students 
still believed in the core values of this profession and 
money was not their only priority. 246 (82%) medical 
students put up the argument that medicine was too 
tough with stressful life, excessive work load and long 
working hours which left very less time for family and 
friends.
 According to our study, 39 (13%) of students 
mentioned that they would not go into medicine 
again as compared to an American study in which 66 
(22%) of the respondents expressed their reluctance.13 
66 (22%) students were of the opinion that medicine 
offered less financial reward and security. Medicine is 

regarded as a noble career as during their education, 
medical students work as health coaches, advising 
and helping people about basic health issues, solving 
their everyday problem, thereby enjoying respect and 
honor.14 Efforts can be made to reduce long working 
hours and improve salaries. The salaries of doctors 
of our country can be increased. Doctors are the most 
highly paid professionals in America with residents 
of radiology and anesthesia earning $350,000 and 
$275,000 annually, respectively.15 This fascinates 
our doctors and unfortunately our country loses 
brilliant brains to America, Europe and Australia. Well 
structured medical curriculum and organized training 
programs along with proper numeration and incentive 
to doctors may encourage doing noble deeds and 
reducing malpractice.

CONCLUSION:
 This study suggests that the reasons for joining 
medical profession are primarily based on personal 
interest, respectful living, family influence and service 
to humanity. However, though a respectable profession 
but training is expensive, difficult with long working 
hours and less financial reward. A high proportion of 
medical students was dissatisfied by their profession 
and did not want to reenter if they were given a second 
chance of career selection; however, as the students 
enter the clinical years, their level of interest increases. 
In order to make medicine attractive, sustainable efforts 
are required which provide promising opportunities to 
medical students and doctors.

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