Win–win practice: Finnish medical students’ active role as doctors in the healthcare workforce regardless of background variables

Purpose A unique aspect of the Finnish healthcare system is that medical students can assume formal doctoral positions under specific circumstances while still pursuing their medical studies. This study investigates the prevalence of such engagements and examines whether factors such as gender, age, or pre-medical school educational background influence work experience. Design/methodology/approach An electronic survey was distributed to final-year medical students in 2020. The survey explored their work experience in doctoral roles, including the duration and fields. A quantitative analysis assessed differences based on background variables. Findings The participation rate was 68% (110/162). Of the respondents, 70% (n = 77) had completed high school as their highest level of education before medical school, while 30% (n = 33) held prior higher education degrees. Regardless of the background variables, 98% (n = 108) of students reported working in formal doctoral positions during their studies, which is a novel finding. On average, students worked for 4.4 months in hospitals, 6 months in health centres and 3 months in other settings. Male students had significantly longer experiences in health centres than female students (8.0 vs. 4.2 months, p = 0.042). Practical implications This integration of learning and service, which offers equal opportunities in doctoral roles, benefits both the healthcare sector and students while promoting equality. Given the global similarities in medical education and healthcare staffing shortages, these findings have international relevance. Originality/value This study is the first to examine the influence of background variables on medical students' participation in formal doctoral roles during their studies.