RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: This study explored choice factors in four specialties in Mexico. METHOD: Mixed methods design. Qualitative phase: four focus groups with first-year residents, to obtain information of how specialty choice was done. With this information a web-based cross-sectional questionnaire was applied to residents registered in the 1st year of Postgraduate Studies Division, UNAM. RESULTS: 32 residents participated in qualitative phase and for the quantitative phase, the survey was answered by 35 surgical, 28 gynecology, 61 internal medicine and 62 pediatric residents. The specialty choice decision was done during the last years of the medical career. The majority of the resident choice was a subspecialty after the general residency. The type of patient was more crucial to choose pediatrics while a good academic program was for internal medicine. Negative models and bullying were decisive to rule out surgery as well as a not well-known hospital was to rule out pediatrics. CONCLUSION: The specialty choice is done during undergraduate training, with the intention of doing a subspecialty. Demographic and personality traits were identified.