The system of values and styles of success in the medical career: A longitudinal study

Objectives The purpose of the study was to investigate the relation between system values during medical education and styles of success in the medical career. Material and Methods The participants were first examined when they applied to the medical school. Questionnaires were given to these students each academic year. Medical doctors who had participated in the first phase of the study completed a questionnaire 4 years after their graduation, too. The baseline questionnaire measured the system values. The follow-up questionnaire included measures of quality of life, work stress and burnout, satisfaction with medicine as a career and professional competency. Results The identified 3 groups of students representing 3 types of careers had been different regarding their preferred terminal values and instrumental values. Out of 3 groups, 2 presented a high risk of burnout. What is more the life goals (terminal values) are relatively stable, but preferable modes of behavior (instrumental values) are likely to change. The most important differences between students who may suffer from burnout later as doctors and those who are at a lower risk are e.g., family security, freedom, happiness, mature love, self-respect, social recognition and wisdom. Conclusions The Rokeach Value Survey may be applied to identify specific tendencies in the development of medical career. The obtained results may be used by the medical school admission officers as well as resident selection committees in order to identify candidates who may be at risk of professional difficulties. Authors can identify during medical education which student will be at risk of professional burnout after studies. Thus there could be a selection of interventions directed toward differentiated groups of students, e.g.: supplying them with proper coping vs. guiding them, to increase life satisfaction and productivity. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2018;31(6):823–835