Table 1 Subthemes and refined codes for motivational factors influencing first-choice specialty

Work schedule

i. No on calls or less hectic on calls

ii. Shift work

iii. Fixed working hours

Patient care characteristics

i. Multidiscipline or wide variety of illness/cases

ii. Acute management care of patient

iii. Minimal interaction with patient

iv. Quick results/recovery after intervention or treatment

v. Continuous patient care

Specialty characteristics

i. Challenging nature of the field

ii. Medical based

iii. Surgical based

iv. less medicolegal issues

v. Involves more hands-on skill and procedures

vi. Flexible working conditions

vii. Prestige or reputation of the specialty

Personal factors

i. Family or relative influences/advice

ii. Better work life balance

iii. Personal interest in the specialty

iv. Job satisfaction

v. Medical school experiences

vi. Social media or public figure influence

Past work experiences

i. Good teamwork in the department

ii. Critical events or defining moment during HO rotations related to the specialty

iii. Guidance and teaching activities in the department

iv. Specialist or senior colleague role model/ influences

Training factors

i. Availability of parallel pathway

ii. Availability of preparatory /training courses

iii. Length of training

iv. Cost of training

Career prospects

i. Future opportunities in private sector or private practice

ii. Financially rewarding

iii. Variety of subspecialties in the field to venture

iv. Future teaching opportunities