Residents’ Satisfaction with the Current Residency Training Programs of Saudi Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

Hadi Al-Hakami

Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences and King Abdulaziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah

Dr. Hadi Al-Hakami, Assistant Professor King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences and Consultant Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Ministry of National Guard Health A

Keywords: Otolaryngology; Saudi Board; Residents; Satisfaction

Abstract

Objectives
To determine the residents’ satisfaction with the current Saudi board residency program and identify the contributing factors.
MethodThe survey instrument in the form of self-administered close-ended questionnaires was distributed to all otolaryngology residents between second-year through fifth-year training. All residents were registered with Saudi board of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery in the academic year 2013-2014. The main variables included the demographic information, career satisfaction and the satisfaction with the surgical experience.
Results
The response rate was 67% (72/108). All the returned questionnaires were from current second through fifth-year otolaryngology residents. Overall residents’ satisfaction ranged between 72-80%. 73% of residents were satisfied with surgical experience and mastery of skills while 47% of the residents were not satisfied with research experience. Factors affecting satisfaction related almost exclusively to training issues, such as education prioritized over service, opportunities for mentorship, the feasibility of hand-on surgical courses, and research experience.
Conclusion
Inspite of overall satisfaction with the quality of training programs, most of the residents were not satisfied with the research experience.

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