Attitude of first-year undergraduate medical students towards the medical profession: a cross-sectional study at the start of the orientation program

Purpose Interest in medical science and social commitments are most essential to the medical profession. This study evaluated the attitude and knowledge of first-year undergraduate medical students about the medical profession at the beginning of their orientation program. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional study was done using a validated questionnaire, which was designed to cover influence to select the course, knowledge of medical research and attitude about the profession. The data were statistically analyzed. Findings A total of 87 students were enrolled with a response rate of 80%, and 43 (61.4%) students decided to choose the course during their high school studies (Group 1), while 27 (38.6%) decided during their higher secondary education (Group 2). Students in both groups did not give any response (65.1–77.8%) against their interest in social service. Interest in medical research (25%) and knowledge about the super specialty degree were less among group 1. Group 2 had a larger proportion even though both groups strongly disagreed with the practices of doctors in hospitals alone (p = 0.02). Research limitations/implications A single-center study with a small sample size and subjects whose socioeconomic status was not taken into account. Practical implications Awareness regarding the social commitment of the field is essential for students before choosing a career in medicine. In order to spark interest in the carrier phases of study, the scope of various specialty degrees and medical research should be covered during the first-year foundation course. Originality/value Study on the attitudes and knowledge of medical students prior to orientation has not been done previously.