Written in the stars: did your specialty choose you?. Issue 1157 (7th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morgan, Holly; Collins, Hannah; Moore, Sacha; Eley, Catherine
• Is Part Of: Postgraduate medical journal. Volume 98:Issue 1157(2022)
• Page Start: 205
• Page End: 211
• Publication Date: 2021-01-07
• Subjects: medical education & training -- education & training; Medicine -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2020-139058
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-5473

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose of the study: Established over 2000 years ago, horoscopes remain a regular feature in contemporary society. We aimed to assess whether there could be a link between zodiac sign and medical occupation, asking the question—did your specialty choose you? Study design: A questionnaire-based study was distributed using an online survey tool. Questions explored the zodiac sign, specialty preferences and personality features of physicians. Results: 1923 physicians responded between February and March 2020. Variations in personality types between different medical specialties were observed, introverts being highly represented in oncology (71.4%) and rheumatology (65.4%), and extroverts in sexual health (55%), gastroenterology (44.4%) and obstetrics and gynaecology (44.2%) (p<0.01). Proportions of zodiac signs in each specialty also varied; for example, cardiologists were more likely to be Leo compared with Aries (14.4% vs 3.9%, p=0.047), medical physicians more likely Capricorn than Aquarius (10.4% vs 6.7%, p=0.02) and obstetricians and gynaecologists more likely Pisces than Sagittarius (17.5% vs 0%, p=0.036). Intensive care was the most commonly reported second choice career, but this also varied between zodiac signs and specialties. Fountain pen use was associated with extroversion (p=0.049) and gastroenterology (p<0.01). Conclusions: Personality types vary in different specialties. There may be links to zodiac signs which warrant further investigation.