How do residents in anesthesiology learn their future speciality? A resident satisfaction survey in the Northwest of France

Study design. - Opinion survey. Objectives. - To know the level of satisfaction and the expectations of the residents in anesthesiology in the Northwest of France. Materials and methods. - A standardized questionnaire assessing the theoretical and practical training was mailed to the 4th- and 5th-year anesthesiology residents (DESAR 4 and 5) in the Northwest of France over a 6-month period. Four items were studied: the profile of responders, the approval of theoretical and practical teaching, and the improvement propositions. Results. - The response rate was 61%. A change in speciality has never been looked for by 95% of residents. The training was considered as good or very good in 90% of cases. The elements of theoretical teaching are variably considered according to their merits. Practical training gave entire satisfaction whatever its type and place. Additional specific training in regional anesthesia, difficult intubation and echocardiography is required. Most DESAR would be interested in obtaining a post-internship job or a stage in private hospitals. Discussion. - Teaching generally meets the expectations of students. These regional data are similar with the results of French national surveys. They highlight the good quality of training but suggest it could be further improved. Conclusion. - The homogeneity of teaching, based on the objectives proposed by the French College of Anesthesiologists, and the dynamism of the French Society of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine ensures the quality of training for future specialists. (C) 2013 Societe francaise d'anesthesie et de reanimation (Sfar). Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.