Table 5 Factors related to stability of specialty choice from Year 4 medical school to Foundation Year 2 (0 = ‘different choice; 1 = ‘stable choice’)

(1 = before medical school; 2 = at medical school; 3 = at FY1; 4 = at FY2)

First considered specialty

−0.54 (−2.49, 0.93)

1.60

0.278

0.58

0.310

(1 = no influence; 2 = moderate influence; 3 = strong influence)

Enjoyed specialty at medical school

0.95 (−0.45, 3.71)

2.58

0.089

2.57

0.121

Reference category: General Practice (Paediatrics & Radiology excluded)

Acute care

−2.24 (−20.19, 0.28)

6.05

0.026

0.11

0.027

Medical specialties

−0.53 (−4.32, 2.36)

3.98

0.553

0.59

0.612

Surgical specialties

−2.66 (−24.71, 0.52)

8.52

0.023

0.07

0.019

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

−1.14 (−22.19, 20.07)

12.31

0.423

0.32

0.218

Psychiatry

−3.81 (−27.76, −0.95)*

11.96

0.008

0.02

0.003

(1 = not dissuaded; 2 = probably dissuaded; 3 = uncertain; 4 = probably not dissuaded; 5 = not dissuaded)

Dissuaded from entering a specialty by experienced since starting work

−0.33 (−1.31, 0.21)

0.42

0.170

0.72

0.215

(1 = no influence; 2 = moderate influence; 3 = strong influence)

Enjoyed the specialty since starting work

−0.77 (−3.00, −0.03)

1.79

0.057

0.46

0.046

Constant

3.83 (−1.37, 15.89)

6.69

0.102

46.23

0.115