A study by Burstein in 1980 at the University of Texas Health Science Center found evidence that significant hedonistic personality changes occur between the freshman and the junior year of medical school. A study to answer questions of the generalizability of Burstein's study is described. (MLW)

Personality changes in a sample of 49 women physicians were measured by psychological tests and interview procedures. They suggested greater effectiveness in work and achievements, more introspection, more certainty about goals, more awareness and acceptance of traditional role demands, and less striving for success and need to impress others.…

Seventy-one psychiatric resident-supervisory dyads were studied in terms of Schutz's interpersonal theory of compatibility, and personality changes were measured with Schutz's Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation Scale. Predictions relating compatibility to satisfaction with the dyad and competence ratings were not confirmed.…

Medical students' personality traits and state of functioning were assessed at six times, beginning at orientation and ending several weeks before the results of the residency match program were announced. (MLW)

A longitudinal study of personality traits of medical students was first administered to freshmen and then later to the same students during their junior year. The results suggest that over the two years a developmental shift away from motivations focusing on effort and control toward those focusing on self-gratification took place. Implications…