Factors Associated With Junior Residents' Choice of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialty: A Longitudinal Survey Based on 2025 Career Decisions.

AIM: In Japan, the chronic shortage of obstetric-gynecologists exists in reality. To tackle the issue, we aim to identify the factors that promote or discourage junior residents' choice of the obstetrics-gynecology (Ob/Gyn) specialty.

METHODS

We conducted a questionnaire survey of junior residents at the Summer School (SS) in 2023 and the Plus One Project 2 (POP2) in 2024 (preparatory educational events). One hundred and twenty-two and 179 junior residents responded, respectively. In 2025, they decided whether to specialize in Ob/Gyn. We collected anonymized data on their decisions. Using the data, as a longitudinal study, we conducted a logistic regression analysis to examine how their preferences regarding working conditions are associated with their decisions.

RESULTS

There are several significant findings. First, those who consider the workplace's urban location more important are more likely to choose the Ob/Gyn specialty, according to the SS data. Second, concerns about the risk of lawsuits, fewer deliveries in the workplace, and low income prevent them from specializing in Ob/Gyn, according to the SS data. Third, those who consider annual income more important are more likely to choose the Ob/Gyn specialty, according to the POP2 data. Fourth, those who think that a sufficiently small number of night shifts is more important are less likely to specialize in Ob/Gyn, according to the POP2 data.

CONCLUSION

The findings are provisional. However, after further data collection and analysis updates, this study may inform what should be done to increase the number of Ob/Gyn specialists in Japan.