Factors influencing the choice of pediatric resident: program directors perspective in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

  • 0King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Pediatric program directors in Saudi Arabia prioritize the Saudi Medical Licensing Exam score and relevant experiences like electives and research for residency acceptance. High scores in these areas are crucial for aspiring pediatricians.

Area Of Science

  • Medical Education
  • Pediatric Residency Training
  • Saudi Arabia Healthcare System

Background

  • Pediatrics is a vital specialty in Saudi Arabia, serving a large population.
  • Pediatric residency programs are highly competitive, with acceptance influenced by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) score and interviews.
  • Understanding selection factors is crucial for program directors and applicants.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To evaluate the key factors pediatric program directors (PDs) in Saudi Arabia use when selecting applicants for pediatric residency programs.
  • To identify the relative importance of various application components in the admission process.

Main Methods

  • A cross-sectional study utilizing an online questionnaire distributed to 76 current and former pediatric PDs in Saudi Arabia.
  • Non-probability convenience sampling was employed for participant selection.
  • Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Main Results

  • The Saudi Medical Licensing Exam score was identified as the most significant factor (3.87) influencing acceptance.
  • Other highly valued factors included services and electives (3.86), research experience (3.84), and the interview (3.77).
  • Grade Point Average (GPA) and letters of recommendation were also considered, though with lower weighted importance.

Conclusions

  • Aspiring pediatricians in Saudi Arabia should focus on achieving high Saudi Medical Licensing Exam (SMLE) scores.
  • Gaining pediatric elective experience during internship and demonstrating strong research fundamentals are recommended.
  • These elements are perceived as most critical by pediatric program directors during the selection process.

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