Trainees’ Perspectives on Nephrology Fellowship Training Experiences in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease and its related risk factors has significantly increased over the last years in Saudi Arabia, resulting in growing number of patients requiring nephrology care. The burden to ensure adequate training and preparedness of nephrology fellows in taking care of this increasing population falls largely on the fellowship training programs. The aim of this study was to explore trainees’ perspectives on training experiences during the Saudi nephrology fellowship program.

Methods and Material: This was a survey-based, cross-sectional study. The survey was electronically distributed via email using Google Forms to adult nephrology fellows who have completed their nephrology training program over the last 3 years. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet analytic functions.

Results: Overall, 34 nephrologists who have completed the Saudi nephrology fellowship program over the last 3 years participated in this study (40% response rate). Most participants described the overall quality of education and training as either “excellent” (47%) or “good” (47%). By the end of the training, 56% of participants felt “fully prepared” for entering independent nephrology practice, while 35% felt “moderately prepared”, and 9% felt “minimally prepared. Glomerulonephritis was the most chosen topic (47%) where participant felt the need for additional training and education, followed by peritoneal dialysis (41%), and kidney histopathology interpretation (38%).

Conclusion: Most participants found the quality of training and education as excellent or good, with most trainees feeling prepared for entering the independent practice by the end of their nephrology fellowship. Evaluating and strengthening the training in the Saudi nephrology fellowship program is of critical importance to provide quality nephrology care to the increasing population with kidney diseases.