Evaluation of the graduate profile and of the medical residency in orthopedics and traumatology at HCFMRP-USP

Abstract

Introduction:

Good Medical Residency Programs (PRM) must invest in the structuring and continuous development of care services in the health network setting; in the organization of the support structure for teaching and care activities and in the remuneration and continuous training of preceptors and coordinators.

Objective:

This study is an observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive investigation aimed at providing an in-depth understanding of the characteristics of individuals who have successfully completed the medical residency program in Orthopedics and Traumatology (MRPOT) at the Clinic Hospital of the Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo. Additionally, the study seeks to gather comprehensive data regarding the features of the educational program in order to offer insights for potential enhancements. The study encompassed a total of 418 participants who completed their training between 1964 and 2020.

Methods:

This group includes physicians who not only graduated from the MRPOT but also those who completed supplementary specialized programs and medical residencies in hand surgery, all within the same department. Data were systematically collected through an electronic questionnaire.

Results:

Among the participants, 302 graduates (73.6% of the total cohort) were identified, and responses were obtained from 214 individuals, which corresponds to 70.8% of the reached contacts or 52.2% of the entire graduate pool. The predominant demographic of the sample is male, with 198 respondents (92.5%), most of whom reside in the state of São Paulo (154 individuals, 71.9%). A significant portion of the participants, 184 (86%), pursued further specialized training or embarked on additional medical residencies within the field. The most prevalent subspecialties within this group are Knee Surgery, accounting for 63 individuals (34.2%), and Hand Surgery, comprising 49 individuals (26.6%). Postgraduate education played a role in the academic training of 87 respondents (40.6%). Research activities primarily took place within public universities (81%) and were carried out by 79 graduates (36.9%). A substantial proportion, 130 individuals (60.7%), had prior experience in medical education, either as preceptors or professors for both undergraduate and medical residency levels. The majority of participants, 152 individuals (71%), currently practice within their respective subspecialties. However, a considerable number of graduates also engage in traumatology (34.1%) and general orthopedics (31.8%). The evaluation of the educational framework of the program and the level of professional satisfaction revealed notable aspects that received positive assessments from the respondents. These included the diversity and volume of cases, training tailored for tertiary and secondary care, and preparation for the professional sphere. On the other hand, concerns were raised regarding the adequacy of monthly remuneration, the scarcity of theoretical instruction, and the limited exposure to surgical training. These specific areas garnered lower scores both in the objective metrics and subjective feedback.

Conclusion:

This study effectively delineated the characteristics of MRPOT graduates and identified the program’s key strengths. Simultaneously, it highlights areas that have drawn criticism and warrant attention.

Keywords:
Health Education; Medical Residency; Orthopedics; Traumatology; Professional Sphere