This study aimed to (i) identify the reasons leading young people to choose to study medicine at the Agostinho Neto University School of Medicine (FMUAN) in Angola; (ii) identify how they perceive the medical profession; and (iii) determine whether socio-demographic characteristics influence the factors identified as determinants in the applicants' decision to pursue the medical career. The study involved a sample of 1,815 medical school applicants (96.2%). The data came from a sample obtained through opinion polls. The applicants' main reasons for choosing medicine were: altruism (median = 87.5), vocation (median = 81.3), family influence (median = 75.0), social prestige (median = 75.0), scientific interest (median = 68.7), family members in the medical profession (median = 62.5), and work market (median = 50.0). Less important factors were: economic/financial benefit (median = 45.0), success (median = 43.8), and health problems in the family (median = 37.5). The study concludes that medical school applicants in Angola are characterized by dedication and commitment to others, with vocation and altruism as the key drivers in their career choice.