• Chihiro Nishio, Takashi Hajiro, Taishi Nagao, Masami Ito, Chikara Sakaguchi, and Yasutaka Nakano.
• Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Minami-Kyoto Hospital.
• Nihon Kokyuki Gakkai Zasshi. 2009 Jun 1;47(6):462-6.

BackgroundBecause there is a shortage of pulmonologists in Japan, it is crucial to understand interns' decision-making process of selecting respiratory medicine as their specialty.ObjectiveThe objectives of the study were to illustrate the process in which residents pursue the specialty of respiratory medicine and to establish a strategic springboard that may encourage more residents to select respiratory medicine as their specialty.MethodsA qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was performed. Eleven doctors who had selected respiratory medicine were recruited. We measured categories which constitute the process of career choice.ResultsThe present analysis of 11 interviews produced three main categories that influenced residents' career decision. Those were "ambiguous preference for respiratory medicine", "triggers for interests on respiratory medicine", and "comparisons and contemplations among specialties". "Triggers for interests" were as follows: experiencing effectual mentorship in respiratory medicine, being impressed with pulmonologists' daily practice, taking an interest in anatomy and physiology, and exposing themselves to clinical practice repeatedly. Through "comparisons and contemplations among specialties", the interviewees recognized respiratory medicine as attractive, because of its close association with other internal medicine disciplines, the comprehensive diagnostic process, and the diversity of respiratory diseases.ConclusionExperiencing enthusiastic mentorship, being impressed with pulmonologists' daily practice, and realizing profoundness of respiratory medicine influenced the decision-making process.

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