Determining the Precedence Order of the Factors Influencing Doctors’ Choice of Specialty in Turkey

Choosing a carrier is a kind of multi-criteria decision making problem and it is a crucial decision in people's life. The aim of this study was to determine the precedence order of the factors influencing choice of doctors as a carrier, to derive the relative weight of each factor and to identify differences and similarities in such factors between genders. In analyzing the data, three-tier Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology was used. The questionnaires were answered by 57 doctors from 20 different specialties. In this study, subjective opinions of doctors turn into quantitative form with Analytic Hierarchy Process. This study found that “Compatibility with the individual knowledge, skills and the ability”, “Communication skills”, “Predisposition to team/individual work/Being introverted-extroverted”, “Opportunity to apply surgery, treatment etc.” and “The specialist physician as a role model” were more important factors for doctors in choosing their specialty. Among the criteria, the criterion of “Less administrative tasks”, “Features in terms of academic career” and “Prestige of specialty” had the lowest weight for doctors. Main differences between male and female specialists’ preference occur in these factors: “Communication skills”, “Opportunity to apply surgery, treatment etc.”, “The specialist physician as a role model”, “The number of patients served”, “The necessity of coming face to face with patient” and “Duration to complete the training process”. Results of this study can be used by medical school management, medical leaders, Ministry Of Health, medical school academicians, etc