Residency training in graduate medical education (nine-year view)

Assessment of the progress of residency training in graduate education after 9 years shows that the original goals established for various specialties are being effectively met. There are now 7 approved residency programmes for diplomas and 10 approved residency programmes for fellowships with 324 residents trained and in training, out of whom (32%) were females, and 222 (68%) were male residents. Student interest in these programmes has remained at a high level. Only 15 candidates (4.64%) had withdrawn from the residency training programmes. Heavy emphasis has been placed upon curriculum design, selection criteria of students and quality control mechanisms through residency committees in specialty departments and the residency board embracing residency coordinators. This paper outlines some concerns regarding the present status of various residencies and suggests some recommendations for future development of these programmes.