Perspectives of family medicine residents in Riyadh on leadership training: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Medical educators in academia have faced challenges incorporating leadership training into curricula while minimizing redundancy and assuring value and relevance for all learners. This study aims to assess the status of leadership training as perceived by family medicine residents in Riyadh to advise the development of a formal leadership training curriculum. METHOD: The research is cross-sectional and quantitative. Participants were asked via an electronic questionnaire about their leadership attitudes, perceived degree of training in various leadership domains, and where they could find additional training. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 270 family medicine residents in Riyadh. Residents rated the importance of physician leadership in their communities as high (6 out of 7 on a Likert scale). In contrast, agreement with the statement 'I am a leader' obtained the lowest grade (4.4 of 7 on a Likert scale). Overall, most of the residents participating in the study (50% or more) voiced a desire for more training in all leadership domains. Over 50% of residents indicated that leadership electives or selective lectures, workshops, or seminars as well as WADAs (Weekly Academic Day Activities), leadership mentors or coaches teaching junior learners (with training), and leadership courses could be incorporated into the curriculum to foster leadership skills. CONCLUSION: Residents were enthusiastic about family physicians being leaders, aligning with the current educational philosophy but requiring formal training. They also indicated areas where leadership training might be improved and developed in the current curriculum. This poll's results could be used to help residents build leadership skills by incorporating them into a formal leadership curriculum. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12909-023-04188-2.