Perception of orthopedic residents about their residency training programs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Orthopedic residency training in Saudi Arabia is critical for producing skilled physicians who can diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders effectively. However, the perception of orthopedic residents regarding their training programs remains unclear. This study, conducted during the 2022-2023 academic year, aimed to explore orthopedic residents' perceptions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, regarding their training programs. Methods: A cross-sectional survey gathered data from 130 orthopedic residents, predominantly male, with an average age of 28.07 years. The largest representation came from the Prince Sultan Military Medical City, making up 23.1% of participants. The survey covered residents' views on academic activities, surgical training, trainers, and the training environment. Results: Findings revealed varying perceptions among residents. Some expressed concerns about having enough time for reading, studying, attending conferences, seminars, and exposure to diverse cases. Trainers received mixed reviews, with most residents finding them approachable, knowledgeable, and cognizant of residents' abilities and needs. The training environment generally appeared healthy and friendly, although opinions on daily workload and on-call numbers were mixed. Notably, R2 residents had the most positive perception of trainers, with a mean score of 21.93. Overall, the majority of residents expressed satisfaction with their training program. Conclusion: This study sheds light on the strengths and weaknesses of orthopedic training programs from the residents' perspective. Opportunities for improvement include enhancing support for self-directed learning, skill development, mentorship for trainers, workload management, and exploring rotational alternatives. Addressing disagreements and implementing anonymous impression surveys can enhance the educational experience for orthopedic residents in Saudi Arabia.