ABSTRACT

Objective

This study aims to analyze the impact of changes in Medical Specialization Exam (TUS) quotas between 2013 and 2023 on occupancy rates across branches, focusing specifically on the specialization of Pediatrics.

Methods

The study utilized publicly available TUS data published by the Measurement, Selection, and Placement Center for the years 2013-2023. Trends in quotas and placement rates for the pediatrics specialty were analyzed over time.

Results

The results revealed that pediatrics specialization quotas increased by approximately 14.5% over the past decade, while the average placement rate remained at 83%. A notable increase in quotas was observed after 2018, accompanied by a significant decline in placement rates. By 2023, despite a 30.4% increase in quotas, the placement rate fell to 50%. A strong negative correlation (r=-0.923) was identified between the quotas and placement rates over the years (p<0.001).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that increasing quotas alone is insufficient to meet the projected healthcare workforce needs. It underscores the importance of factors such as quality, institutional infrastructure, and curriculum in medical residency training. Holistic, data-driven policies developed by healthcare administrators, academic institutions, and medical education experts are essential to enhance the quality of specialist training and address societal healthcare needs efficiently. Furthermore, factors such as candidates’ motivations, post-graduation employment opportunities, and wage policies play a critical role in shaping the relationship between quota increases and occupancy rates.