Quality of teaching provided by surgical residents: an evaluation of the perception of medical students

Abstract

Background: Surgical residents teach and interact with Medical students during surgery clerkship. However, the quality of teaching by surgical resident as perceived by medical students has not been assessed in our setting. The aim of this report is to evaluate the quality of teaching provided by surgical residents as perceived by Medical students

Methods: This is a cross sectional study involving final year 2005-2006 medical students ofAhmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria. The characteristics and skills of surgical residents' teaching role as perceived by medical students were determined. The Information was obtained using a structured questionnaire. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 11.0

Results: A total of 120 medical students participated in the study. The age range was 24-36 years (mean 26.88 + 2.19). There were 87 (72.5%) males and 33 (27.5%) females. In assessing the qualities of a teacher among surgical residents, 83 (69%) of the students believed the surgical resident has good teaching skills, 101 (84%) believed they were committed to teaching, 118 (98%) they were available, 109 (91%) had inspirational ability. In assessing the qualities of a surgeon, 116 (97%) believed the surgical resident has enthusiasm for surgery, 106 (88%) empathy for patients, 78 (65%) fund for knowledge. Assessment of the qualities of a supervisor revealed 118 (98%) Got medical students involved, hands on, 78 (65%) set fair expectations, 113 (94%) Gave them feedbacks, 118 (98%) supervised them adequately. In term of the qualities of the person 107 (89%) believed a surgical resident is supportive, 94 (78%) considerate, 115 (96%) friendly, 108 (90%) fun to work with. Overall assessment perceived by medical students revealed Senior Registrar having better qualities of teaching than Registrar. These qualities were rated good and outstanding by majority of the medical students.

Conclusion: Medical students' perception of teaching provided by surgical residents is encouraging in our setting. This emphasizes the important role of the surgical resident in undergraduate medical training. Thus, the teaching skills of surgical residents should be encouraged and sustained.