To be or not to be a Nephrologist - Study of Medical Student's Interest in Nephrology

Introduction Nephrology is a subspecialty of internal medicine that focuses on the study of the kidneys, their functions, and related aspects of renal physiology, pathology, diseases, and their diagnosis and treatment. Aim The study aims to evaluate the career choices of medical students regarding nephrology, to determine how many consider it as a preferred profession, and to identify the factors influencing their decisions. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 152 medical students from different academic years. Participants were given a questionnaire consisting of 15 multiple-choice questions. The responses were collected, analyzed, and interpreted using tables and graphs to identify trends and outcomes. Results Among the 152 students surveyed, 77 (50.7%) were males and 75 (49.3%) were females. Most respondents were from the 5th (51.3%) and 6th (47.4%) academic years. Out of the participants, 55 students strongly agreed to having good knowledge of nephrology, while 36 strongly agreed they had a good understanding of nephrology-related pathophysiology and etiology. Financial compensation emerged as the most influential factor, with 74 students (48.68%) identifying it as an important determinant in choosing nephrology as a career. In terms of preferences, 9 students selected nephrology as their first choice for specialisation, while 11 students chose it as their second option. Statistical analysis showed a significant association (p < 0.05) across the survey findings. Conclusion Despite the growing demand for nephrologists due to the increasing prevalence of renal diseases, nephrology remains a less-preferred career option among medical students compared to other specialties. Greater awareness and innovative teaching methods in medical schools are needed to build student confidence and interest in this field.