Factors Affecting Emergency Residents' Selection of a Training Center in Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Background: The Emergency Medicine (EM) residency program in Saudi Arabia spans four years, equipping trainees with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to excel as emergency physicians. This study aims to elucidate the factors influencing EM residents' choice of training centers in Saudi Arabia. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire to gather data from EM residents across Saudi Arabia. We employed a convenience, non-random sampling technique. The questionnaire was divided into two sections, gathering socio-demographic data and factors influencing the choice of training center. Results: The study included 223 EM residents. Of these, 134 (60.1%) were male, and the majority (43.9%) were in their first year, with most respondents hailing from Jeddah (59.2%). The "friendliness of the residents/staff" was deemed most critical, with a mean score of 4.51, while "prestige" was the least important, scoring 2.55. "Closeness of location," "number of consultants," "availability of different subspecialties," "friendly environment," and "influence by others" were prioritized by male residents. Female residents favored "prestige" and "reputation of the program." Senior residents valued "proximity to homeland," "supervision and mentoring," and "career opportunities and mentoring" highly. Conclusion: While many factors influence the choice of an EM residency, interpersonal dynamics, supervisory relationships, and geographical preferences play pivotal roles. Residency programs could enhance training quality by integrating these insights into more flexible, inclusive policies and ensuring equitable distribution across regions. Due to the limited local research on this topic, further studies are recommended to enhance understanding of these dynamics.