The purpose of this study is to perform an extensive analysis of career-choice motivations of medical students at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil, and to understand their daily academic experiences. The methodology employed was qualitative, using semi-structured interviews. The sample consisted of 30 students from the 1st to the 6th year of the course, uniformly selected from the different course levels. The data were analyzed by means of content analysis. This analysis revealed that factors that influenced the students in the choice of the medicine course were family influence, personal identification, the search for financial independence and professional status as well as the desire to help and to be useful. In relation to moments experienced during the course, the recognition of family and friends, experiences with patients and contact with competent professors were cited as the most gratifying, while extensive examinations and insufficient time for studying, uninspiring classes given by outdated professors, contact with terminal patients and death along with physical exhaustion were considere the most distressing moments. The data point to important aspects in the daily life of medical students that may help to determine psycho-pedagogic support strategies in future curricular guidelines.
Education, Medical; Qualitative Analysis; Career Choice; Students,Medical
