Perception of Canadian training programs by Saudi resident trainees.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to determine how Saudi medical trainees in Canada perceive their training programs with regards to educational, ethnic and socio-cultural issues, and if different factors such as the chosen field of training, place or level of training make any difference to this perception. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All Saudi residents in training programs in Canada in the 1996/1997 academic year were surveyed using a written anonymous self-administered questionnaire, evaluating educational, ethnic and socio-cultural aspects of various training programs. RESULTS: The response rate was 72.5% (185/255). Most of the respondents were in the fourth year of training. Overall, the level of stress was rated as tolerable in 154 (83%), and 179 respondents (96.8%) described the educational aspects of their program positively. Furthermore, 154 (83%) of the respondents agreed that they were treated fairly in the distribution of job functions with regards to Canadian residents, and 133 (72%) did not face any major difficulty in practicing their religion. The sites of training, type of specialty and the level of training made significant impact on the perceived educational, social, religious and administrative aspects of training. CONCLUSION: The majority of Saudi medical trainees in Canada perceived the educational aspects of their training as a positive experience. Major problems faced were mainly related to administrative matters and to some extent, social adjustment. Issues that affect the training process need to be tackled by the concerned authorities to ensure the success of the training programs.