OBJECTIVE: To identify differences in the psychosocial profile of medical trainees and residents in radiology and diagnostic imaging, to evaluate the professional aspirations and inner motivation driving their choice of the specialty of radiology and diagnostic imaging, as well as whether their professional satisfaction level improves the doctor-patient relationship. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 26-question questionnaire including the Rosenberg's self-esteem scale was completed by medical trainees and residents. RESULTS: Self-esteem is above average for 39.6% of the respondents; aptitude for medicine or personal realization has motivated the choice of 38.7% of the students; for 50.9% of the respondents, the patients understand and assimilate the information received from doctors; 77.4% of the doctors are able to clarify the patients doubts. CONCLUSION: In terms of psychosocial profile, there is no difference between medical trainees and residents in radiology and diagnostic imaging. Professional aspirations and inner motivation have played equivalent roles in the specialty choice of medical trainees and residents. Medical residents are better prepared to succeed in a doctor-patient relationship than trainees.
Medical residency; Motivation; Profile; Doctor-patient relationship