Expectations of medical students and pediatric residents in their professional development

Introduction. The number of vacancies for medical residencies in Argentina, especially in pediatrics, has increased. Knowing some aspects of medical students (MS) and postgraduate students (PS) in pediatrics could explain this phenomenon. Objectives. Describe the motivational profile, the intention to migrate, and the perception of primary care in MS and PS in pediatrics. Population and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a pediatric hospital in the City of Buenos Aires, on a self-administered survey between October 2023 and September 2024. Results. Eighty-two MSs and 48 PSs participated; 96.9% presented high intrinsic motivation, 29.2% had high extrinsic motivation, 17% intended to migrate, and 60.8% had a positive perception of primary health care. Conclusions. The majority showed high intrinsic motivation. The intention to migrate was low. More than half perceived primary health care positively.