This study investigated future medical specialists' objectives of further qualification, their intention, and their decision to establish a practice. Data of 5,053 young physicians, obtained from five German Federal Chambers of Physicians, were analyzed. Data included sociodemographic variables, intended area of specialization, intention, and aspects relevant to the establishment of a practice. Based on preliminary studies, 18 questions were broken down into six factors. The relevance of each of these factors in the decision to establish a practice was analyzed from a gender perspective. Both female and male physicians prioritized general medicine and internal medicine. In addition, female physicians preferred pediatrics and gynecology, while male physicians more frequently chose surgery. Women view professional cooperation opportunities, framework conditions for their family, and job-related commitments as important factors in their decision to establish a practice; quality of life, financial and working conditions are more important to men. The results point out gender-specific approaches which are of relevance for planning medical specialty training.
