Introduction:

The quantitative deficit and inequalities in the distribution of doctors exacerbate the global health workforce crisis. Many policies have been adopted to face the problem, with the ‘Mais Médicos’ Program standing out due to its scope.

Objective:

This study aimed to characterize, among undergraduate medical students in the state of Bahia, the intentions of future medical specialty and professional retention in priority areas defined by the More Doctors Program (PMM), according to the predictors indicated in the literature.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional exploratory study conducted with medical students from four federal universities in the state of Bahia.

Results:

The study predominantly included students aged 20 to 24 years, with a lower socioeconomic profile in relation to previous studies, born in small and medium-sized municipalities in the state of Bahia, who mostly stated their option for medical residency in specialties other than the basic areas after graduation. An inequality was observed between the percentage of students who intended to work in Primary Care and those who wanted basic specialties, with the option for Family and Community Medicine being even lower. Female students clearly predominated among those who desired basic specialties and who envisioned a future employment in Primary Care in this state. Conversely, male students mostly chose specialties in other areas, especially those who had financial aspects as the main motivation for career choice.

Final considerations:

The study added knowledge to the body of literature on changes in medical training in the country and the effects of policies leading to a generalist professional profile that meets the social needs of the population.

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