Abstract

MONTEIRO, Maria Fernanda Afonso Dias et al. Choosing medical school in Angola: the case of Agostinho Neto University. Rev. bras. educ. med. [online]. 2010, vol.34, n.3, pp.346-354. ISSN 0100-5502.  https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-55022010000300003.

This study aimed to (i) identify the reasons leading young people to choose to study medicine at the Agostinho Neto University School of Medicine (FMUAN) in Angola; (ii) identify how they perceive the medical profession; and (iii) determine whether socio-demographic characteristics influence the factors identified as determinants in the applicants' decision to pursue the medical career. The study involved a sample of 1,815 medical school applicants (96.2%). The data came from a sample obtained through opinion polls. The applicants' main reasons for choosing medicine were: altruism (median = 87.5), vocation (median = 81.3), family influence (median = 75.0), social prestige (median = 75.0), scientific interest (median = 68.7), family members in the medical profession (median = 62.5), and work market (median = 50.0). Less important factors were: economic/financial benefit (median = 45.0), success (median = 43.8), and health problems in the family (median = 37.5). The study concludes that medical school applicants in Angola are characterized by dedication and commitment to others, with vocation and altruism as the key drivers in their career choice.

Keywords : Education, Medical; Students, Medical; Education, Higher; Altruism.

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