A cross-sectional investigation of trend in career specialty preference among clinical year medical undergraduates, including factors influencing preferences and discouragement

The findings underscore key challenges in medical students' specialty choices, including significant mentorship gaps, pervasive gender inequity, and family obligations. Addressing these issues is essential for improving career decision-making and ensuring a more balanced distribution of specialties within Pakistan's medical workforce. Targeted interventions are needed to mitigate these barriers and support students in making informed career decisions.