Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Other Factors on Medical Specialty Choice Among Medical Students Near the United States-Mexico Border

Background: This study investigated the factors that contribute to medical students' decisions to pursue different residency specialties near the US-Mexico border and the effects of COVID-19 on their specialty selection. Methods: The study population consisted of current medical students (classes of 2025-2028) attending the Paul Foster School of Medicine. An electronic Qualtrics survey was used to collect anonymous data, including demographics, the impact of COVID-19, and future career interests. Results: The majority of participants reported that the COVID-19 pandemic had affected them personally and professionally. However, most felt that the pandemic had not affected their desire or attitude toward pursuing a career in medicine or their medical school experience. Students who were parents and those more concerned about workload/work flexibility were more likely to choose Pediatrics. Students who thought the pandemic had affected their medical school experience were less likely to choose Internal Medicine. Students who thought the pandemic had changed the factors they prioritize when choosing a medical specialty and those less concerned about a flexible lifestyle were more likely to choose Surgery. Students with more years of professional work experience were less likely to choose Emergency Medicine, and students more concerned about personal or professional support were more likely to choose Psychiatry. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly affect medical students' residency specialty choices near the United States-Mexico border. Further research involving a broader population is needed to better understand the effects of the pandemic and whether factors are weighed differently across regions of the United States.