Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that medical students use when selecting residency specialties. Understanding these motivations is important because it can help tailor medical school education to benefit students and help them pick the right specialty.

Methods
Medical students at Kansas City University from Class 2025 and Class 2026 were sent a survey via email. The survey consisted of eight questions and was anonymous. The survey asked medical students what their preferred residency specialty was and asked them to rank motivational factors. The survey looked at what the preferred specialty was during year one and if their preference changed during years two and three.

Results
About 120 students responded to the survey. The most popular choices for a medical specialty during year one were internal medicine, OB/GYN, and Pediatrics. Approximately 35% of medical students changed their choice after year two. Internal medicine and family medicine were the most popular choices for those who changed their choice after year two. For the students who changed their residency choice after year two, factors such as interest in the specialty and lifestyle were ranked as the most influential factors. Approximately 54% of medical students changed their residency choice after year three. OB/GYN, Internal medicine, and family medicine were the most popular specialties for those who changed their decision after year three. Clerkship experience was the most influential factor for students who change their residency choice after year three.

Conclusions
Clerkship experience was the deciding factor in determining their specialty. Therefore, medical education should tailor a student’s clerkship experience to provide him or her with the best possible exposure to the specialty.