An Investigation of Medical Students’ Cognition on the Doctor-Patient Relationship and Their Career Choice

Abstract

Objective: To investigate medical students’ cognition on the doctor-patient relationship and its influence on their career choice as well as to provide reference for medical education and communication education. Methods: A self-compiled questionnaire survey was carried out at a medical university in W city, and descriptive statistics as well as chi-square tests were conducted. Results: There were significant differences in medical students’ cognition of doctor-patient relationship among different genders, registered residence, only-child status, whose parents are working in the medical field, and their own evaluation of the major (p < 0.05); the different cognitions of doctor-patient relationship have a significant influence on medical students’ career choice. Conclusion: Medical students’ vocational cognition and educational guidance should be strengthened, hospital information should be open and transparent, media reporting of medical events should be standardized, and a doctor-patient conflict regulation mechanism should be established.