To be or not to be an Obstetrician / Gynaecologist

OBJECTIVES: This qualitative study aimed to explore motivational sources of physicians, at the time of selection and while pursuing ObGyn career. Secondary aim was to explore challenges and strategies adapted by these physicians to overcome these challenges. METHODS: This is qualitative study with constrictive worldview. ObGyn residents and consultants of Aga Khan University, Karachi, were interviewed from July 2017 till Jan 2019, after ethical approval, using purposeful maximum variation sampling. Analysis were conducted by identifying keywords and phrases, these unedited verbatim with no assumptions provided basis for codes, which then clustered as trends. Emerging findings were discussed among authors and themes were finalized with consensus. Conclusion was formulated by linking these themes. RESULTS: Four themes emerged were, ‘grounds for selecting ObGyn as career’, ‘Motivational Factors’, ‘Demotivating Factors’ and ‘Strategies to Cope with Challenges’. Results showed that aptitude and passion not only have pivotal role in career selection but also helped in pursuance. Personal fulfilment and hands-on experience satisfy emotional needs, while family and friends supported participants in maintaining work-life balance and in over-coming challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Considering personal preference and aptitude at the time of career selection helps in endurance and keep motivations high, while challenges in pursuance can be overcome by strong support system.