Residents’ Perception of Postgraduate Radiology Training in Nigeria

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Literature on radiology residency in Nigeria is sparse, even for decades after its commencement. There is therefore the need to inquire into the problems and prospects of the programme, at least from the perspectives of the residents.
OBJECTIVE: To determine residents’ perception of the radiology residency programme, residents’ view on state of facilities, and their opinion on the future of radiology training in Nigeria.

METHODS: Self-administered semi-structured questionnaires, were given to residents to complete. Contacts were made with residents during update courses and radiologists’ conferences or meetings.
RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-five questionnaires were given out and 120 were completed and returned, giving a response rate of 96 %. Fifty-eight (48%) respondents mentioned academic interest as the major influencing factor for enrolling into the programme. Only 20 (16%) residents had made up their minds to do radiology residency as medical students. All the residents identified conventional radiography and ultrasound as the only regularly functioning modalities in their centres, while 72 (60%) respondents mentioned same for cross sectional imaging
modalities; that is CT and MRI. One hundred and ten (90%) respondents had rotation through available modalities as the plank of their training programmes, and 96 (80%) did not feel happy about the state of teaching aids at their centres. Ninety-six (80%) of the residents expressed satisfaction at the efforts of the supervisory postgraduate medical colleges at organising update courses. Eighty respondents (65%) mentioned limited (or lack of) exposure to modern imaging modalities as the greatest threat
to the future of radiology residency in Nigeria.
CONCLUSION: Nigerian radiology residents are concerned about lack of modern imaging tools, facilities at their centres, as well as opportunities for exposure overseas, and the likely impact of these on their training and the future of the specialty in Nigeria.