[Students' orientation regarding the selection of medical specialty].
143 graduates of the curative faculty of Vitebsk Medical Institute (54.1 percent of the total number of graduates) participated in the anonymous questionnaire survey. Judging by their replies the prevailing factors influencing the choice of occupation of physician were practical training of students, presence in the operating-room, night-duty at clinics, practical studies, membership in scientific student societies, favourite teachers, etc. Lectures as the source of information influencing the choice of occupation were reported only by 6.2 percent of the interviewed; 44 percent gave a positive reply when asked whether the qualification characteristics of students can be considered as the source of information in choosing the medical specialty.