Support factors in oral and maxillofacial surgery training: Perspectives of surgeons in low-resource settings

• Published in: International journal of academic medicine Vol. 11; no. 1; pp. 10 - 21
• Main Authors: Dar-Odeh, Najla, Abu-Hammad, Osama, Elsayed, Shadia, Reda, Hanan, Alsharif, Monther, Abu-Karaky, Ashraf, Al-Shayyab, Mohammad H., Alqadi, Soha, Ryalat, Soukaina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Wolters Kluwer - Medknow 2025
• Edition: 2
• Subjects: Original Article; career; training; Arabic; satisfaction; oral and maxillofacial surgery
• ISSN: 2455-5568; 2455-5568
• DOI: 10.4103/ijam.ijam_47_24

Abstract Introduction: Surgical training is an importantly developing aspect in the advancement of healthcare and improving clinical outcomes. We conducted this study in four Arabic countries aiming to evaluate the factors that influence training in the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS). Materials and Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed among OMFSs in Egypt, Jordan, Libya and Saudi Arabia. There were 30 closed-ended questions on socioprofessional characteristics; sources of support during surgical training; relations with peers, mentors and patients; and training satisfaction in the main areas of OMFS. Results: A total of 137 surgeons participated. Their age range was 27-70 years (Mean = 39.7 ± 8.6). Males were 54.0% and married surgeons were 75.1%. The greatest and least sources of support during training were family (89.9%) and institution (53.3%), respectively. Significantly more males perceived sufficient support from family and peers during training (P ≤ 0.05) and significantly more married practitioners and surgeons working in Jordan, Libya, and Saudi Arabia perceived support from family (P ≤ 0.05). Participants were least satisfied in oncology training (55.5%). Males and surgeons working in Jordan, Libya and Saudi Arabia were more significantly satisfied in oncology training, whereas surgeons working in Egypt were more significantly satisfied in TMJ surgery training (P ≤ 0.05). A proportion of (83.2%) perceived career satisfaction particularly those who have received adequate training in advanced surgical topics, and those who received sufficient support from family, mentors, and organization during their training (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Family remains the most important source of support during OMFS training, however, more family support is essential for female, single trainees particularly those working in Egypt. Country-specific focus is warranted for oncology and TMJ surgery training. Further, sufficient training in the advanced areas of OMFS has a great impact on future career satisfaction. The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Practice-based learning and improvement, Patient care and procedural skills, Medical knowledge, and Interpersonal and communication skills.