ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Family and community medicine (FCM) is presented as a socially important medical career; however, its growth in regions of Brazil remains relatively low. It is necessary to identify the factors that influence medical students in their choice of this professional path.
Objective:
To analyse factors that influence interest in FCM residency among medical interns.
Methods:
A cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative analysis study was conducted with students enrolled in the penultimate and final years of medical courses in a Brazilian capital city.
Results:
229 medical interns participated in the research. Those interested in FCM are mostly young, of both genders, aged between 26 and 35, married, with children, and have a family income of less than five minimum wages. Two variables were associated with choosing FCM: age and positive evaluation of the specialty.
Conclusion:
Understanding the factors that influence the choice of FCM can contribute to improving medical education, aligning student preferences with the needs of society and the Public Healthcare System.
Keywords:
Medical Residency; Family and Community Medicine; Primary Health Care; Education