Evaluation of emergency medicine training programs in Egypt: Trainees’ perspective

Abstract

Background and Objectives Emergency medicine (EM) is in the early development phase in Egypt. There is an Egyptian Board of Emergency Medicine that has been in existence for approximately 10years, along with academic master degree in EM from three medical schools (Alexandria, Tanta and Suez Canal). Until now, there is not a specialty society in emergency medicine or national annual meetings to evaluate the training progress and give the trainees the chance to see and be seen. It is known that each program has two-folded objectives; the organization's objectives and the objectives of the individual. It is the goal of the study to emphasis on the trainees view toward the Emergency medicine training. Methods A questionnaire based survey of the satisfaction with EM training in Egypt among trainees who are doing residency or fellowship. Results 88 physicians filled the questionnaire; 18 trainees at the three medical schools for master degree and 70 at Egyptian board program. 100 % of the participants were unhappy with their training. 57 (65%) agreed that they are working without any or under unprofessional supervision, while 82 (93%) reported unclear job description and lack of practical and applicable training policy. 36 (41%) were thinking to change the career, while 17 (19.3%) already enrolled in another post-graduate specialty certificates e.g. MRCS (UK), MRCP (UK) and academic masters. Conclusions Egyptian Emergency medicine trainees are not satisfied with their training and owing that to the unclear vision toward Emergency medicine as specialty from the policy makers and lack of professional staff responsible for education and evaluation. It is highly recommended that the training and mentoring go hand in hand and trainees should take part in the continuous evaluation process.