INFLUENCE OF MOTIVATIONAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC-FACTORS ON PERFORMANCE IN THE MEDICAL COURSE - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY

A questionnaire was completed by students entering the University of Q ueensland (Australia) MB BS course in 1983 and 1984 (n=399). It contai ned wide-ranging questions regarding the decision to enter medicine, i ncluding how, why and when the decision was reached. Demographic data were also collected. All but two students have now completed their inv olvement with the course. The most important determinant of qualifying MB BS was geographical, metropolitan students doing so in greatest pr oportion. High levels of course performance were predicted by father's occupation, and being aware of a widely held attitude, namely that it would be a pity not to enter medicine if able to do so. Several gende r differences are noted. Finally, it was noteworthy that the predictiv e aspects of questionnaire responses did not lessen as students progre ssed through the course.