27.2% of Medical Students Express Reluctance Toward Rural Placement - Survey of 2,583 National Medical Exam Candidates
A survey conducted by MEC Co., Ltd. revealed that 27.2% of candidates for the 120th National Medical Examination feel reluctant to work in rural areas. The primary concerns include living convenience and family circumstances, with significant variations observed across different medical specialties.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 21:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 16:47
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 14:15 (477h 27m after Collected)
MEC Co., Ltd. (HQ: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Junko Hidaka) conducted an awareness survey among candidates for the 120th National Medical Examination, revealing that 27.2% have reservations about working in rural areas. This result partially supports the reality that medical students' attitudes are a contributing factor to 'regional healthcare disparities,' where differences in the number of medical facilities, doctors, and access to specialized treatment arise depending on the region of residence.
The most common reason for avoiding rural placement was 'living convenience' (68.0%), followed by 'family and partner circumstances' (42.8%). Furthermore, 'educational and childcare environment' (33.7%) and 'anxiety over career development' (33.3%) both exceeded 30%, showing that daily life concerns and future career paths are major factors.
By intended specialty, reluctance was highest in dermatology (49.1%), anesthesiology (45.5%), and ophthalmology (38.2%). In contrast, general medicine, which is considered highly compatible with community healthcare, had the lowest reluctance at 11.4%, highlighting a significant gap in acceptance depending on the desired medical field.
When medical students choose a clinical training hospital (residency) for their two-year foundation period after passing the exam, the most prioritized factor was 'atmosphere and interpersonal relationships' (25.0%), followed by 'location and living environment' (19.3%), and 'teaching system' (18.0%). 'Salary and benefits' (7.1%) and 'hospital track record and brand' (1.8%) were relatively low, indicating that young doctors prioritize a supportive work environment over pay or fame.
This awareness survey was conducted by MEC Co., Ltd. targeting candidates for the 120th National Medical Examination. The purpose was to understand the career orientations, values for choosing residency programs, and specialty preferences of medical students and young doctors. Responses covered a wide range of themes, including future specialty choices, community medicine, academic activities, and the use of generative AI.
MEC plans to conduct similar surveys annually and carry out various investigations targeting medical students and young doctors as needed. In the future, by utilizing AI-driven matching support between students and hospitals, MEC aims to resolve mismatches and contribute to rectifying the regional maldistribution of doctors. Through these surveys and initiatives, MEC will support the education and career development of each student and physician, contribute to the sustainable development of the medical field, and realize its corporate slogan: 'Cultivating Better Doctors.'
Survey Overview:
- Period: February 7, 2026 – March 15, 2026
- Target: 120th National Medical Examination candidates (9,980 total)
- Method: Web-based survey
- Valid Responses: 2,583
- Response Rate: 25.9%
The most common reason for avoiding rural placement was 'living convenience' (68.0%), followed by 'family and partner circumstances' (42.8%). Furthermore, 'educational and childcare environment' (33.7%) and 'anxiety over career development' (33.3%) both exceeded 30%, showing that daily life concerns and future career paths are major factors.
By intended specialty, reluctance was highest in dermatology (49.1%), anesthesiology (45.5%), and ophthalmology (38.2%). In contrast, general medicine, which is considered highly compatible with community healthcare, had the lowest reluctance at 11.4%, highlighting a significant gap in acceptance depending on the desired medical field.
When medical students choose a clinical training hospital (residency) for their two-year foundation period after passing the exam, the most prioritized factor was 'atmosphere and interpersonal relationships' (25.0%), followed by 'location and living environment' (19.3%), and 'teaching system' (18.0%). 'Salary and benefits' (7.1%) and 'hospital track record and brand' (1.8%) were relatively low, indicating that young doctors prioritize a supportive work environment over pay or fame.
This awareness survey was conducted by MEC Co., Ltd. targeting candidates for the 120th National Medical Examination. The purpose was to understand the career orientations, values for choosing residency programs, and specialty preferences of medical students and young doctors. Responses covered a wide range of themes, including future specialty choices, community medicine, academic activities, and the use of generative AI.
MEC plans to conduct similar surveys annually and carry out various investigations targeting medical students and young doctors as needed. In the future, by utilizing AI-driven matching support between students and hospitals, MEC aims to resolve mismatches and contribute to rectifying the regional maldistribution of doctors. Through these surveys and initiatives, MEC will support the education and career development of each student and physician, contribute to the sustainable development of the medical field, and realize its corporate slogan: 'Cultivating Better Doctors.'
Survey Overview:
- Period: February 7, 2026 – March 15, 2026
- Target: 120th National Medical Examination candidates (9,980 total)
- Method: Web-based survey
- Valid Responses: 2,583
- Response Rate: 25.9%