Training satisfaction among medical trainees in the Ministry of defense, fifth training sector, KSA

Residency satisfaction, a key measure of the effectiveness of medical training programs, influences both professional development and patient care outcomes. Assessing satisfaction can help identify areas for program improvement and guide curriculum enhancements.

Two independent cross-sectional surveys were conducted among trainees in the fifth training sector of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). A validated 24-item questionnaire covering six domains of residency experience (Cronbach's alpha 0.81-0.95) was administered to trainees across 23 programs in 2023-2024 and 29 programs in 2024-2025. A census sampling strategy was used, and all 594 eligible trainees were invited to participate. A total of 464 responses were completed (overall response rate, 78 %). Scores were analyzed by training level, specialty, and program characteristics, and year-over-year comparisons were made.

The overall mean satisfaction significantly improved, from 72.3 % in 2023-2024 to 86.2 % in 2024-2025 (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.05). Notable improvements were observed across several surgical and critical care specialties. Scores varied by training level: fellowship trainees showed the highest scores in 2023-2024, whereas first-year midwifery diploma trainees reported the highest scores in 2024-2025. Factors associated with higher satisfaction included constructive faculty feedback, adequate supervision, well-organized hospital rotations, and availability of simulation-based learning. Areas associated with lower scores included workload, duty hours, and the balance between junior and senior trainee responsibilities.

Residency programs in the SCFHS fifth training sector demonstrated significant improvements in trainee contentment over 1 year. These improvements might have been associated with enhancements in program structure, curriculum, and faculty engagement. The findings highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring of resident experiences and targeted interventions to optimize educational quality and trainee well-being.