Factors Influencing Interns' Selection of Postgraduate Residency Programs in the United Arab Emirates

Choosing a residency program is a critical decision for medical interns, shaping their future careers. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), little is known about the factors influencing interns' selection of their residency training program of choice.

To evaluate the different factors that medical interns consider when selecting their residency training program of choice.

A cross-sectional study was conducted using online questionnaires from May to June 2024. All interns registered in the Department of Health and Emirates Health Services for the 2023-2024 year were invited. The survey assessed demographics, program preferences, and key factors affecting residency selection.

Out of 300 invited interns, 170 responded (56.7%). The majority were female (n = 112, 65.9%). Interns represented 18 nationalities; the majority came from three countries: UAE (n = 72, 42.4%), India (n = 21, 12.4%), and Iraq (n = 13, 7.6%). The three most preferred residency choices were general medicine (n = 23, 15.5%), pediatrics (n = 19, 12.8%), and emergency medicine (n = 19, 12.8%). The top factors influencing residency selection were interest in specialty (n = 117, 70%), opportunities for involvement in patient care (n = 117, 68.8%), performing procedures (n = 113, 66.5%), and professional development (n = 107, 62.9%). About 96% (n = 163) believed that program accreditation is essential, with the National Institute of Health Specialties (n = 60, 37%) and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education - International (n = 44, 27.1%) being the two most valued accreditation associations.

This study highlights the most preferred residency programs among the interns and identifies general and discipline-specific factors influencing interns' selection, providing insights for stakeholders to enhance postgraduate residency training and align with interns' expectations.