Keywords: Family medicine, education, health services organization

Background:

Family medicine plays a pivotal role in delivering primary care, yet many countries report a declining interest in this specialty among medical students. Understanding students’ perceptions and identifying the factors that influence their career choices is essential to support and strengthen the future workforce in family medicine. In Ukraine, similar trends are observed. The ongoing war, economic instability, and social challenges contribute to a growing preference among students for other medical specialties or for seeking opportunities abroad.

Research questions:

1. What is the level of interest in family medicine among medical students, and how does it vary by year of study?
2. What are the key motivating and discouraging factors influencing their career decisions?

Method:

A cross-sectional survey is being conducted among 1st- to 6th-year medical students at Uzhhorod National University (Uzhhorod, Ukraine). The anonymous questionnaire includes both closed- and open-ended items addressing career preferences, perceived prestige of family medicine, expected income, work-life balance, and exposure to the specialty during medical education. Both quantitative and qualitative data will be analyzed.

Results:

We will present the study protocol along with preliminary findings at the conference.

Conclusions:

Understanding medical students’ motivations and concerns regarding family medicine is crucial for designing effective interventions. Strategies such as early exposure to family medicine, mentorship programs, and transparent career pathways may help increase its appeal and reverse the current decline in interest.

Points for discussion:

1. How can medical curricula be adapted to enhance student interest in family medicine?

2. Are negative stereotypes about family medicine discouraging students from choosing this path?

3. Would any EGPRN colleagues like to collaborate with us in this research?