Applicant Selection for Anesthesiology Residency Programs in Saudi Arabia

Background Anesthesiology is a medical specialty that involves pre, intra, and postoperative surgical and medical procedures; it is a profession shaped by the clinician’s medical knowledge and manual dexterity. To date, very few studies have addressed the selection criteria and factors associated with the applicant selection process for anesthesia residency programs in Saudi Arabia. Objectives We aimed to define the criteria, factors, and guidelines for candidate selection in anesthesia residency programs in Saudi Arabia. Methodology This was a cross-sectional study conducted using electronic questionnaires that were distributed to anesthesiology program directors in Saudi Arabia via email. The questionnaire was divided into six sections, and each section included various parameters such as demographic data, cognitive/academic activities, non-cognitive/non-academic activities, individual qualities, and red flags or negative factors of the individual. The participants rated each parameter, and the collected data were analyzed for statistical significance (p≤0.05). Results A total of 28 programs were included in this survey. All 14 parameters associated with individual qualities were found to be significantly important for applicant selection (p≤0.05). Except for delayed entry into residency after graduation, all 12 parameters associated with red flags or negative characteristics of individuals were significant for candidate selection (p≤0.05). Conclusion The results showed that academic/cognitive factors and non-academic/non-cognitive factors, along with the individual characteristics of the applicant, were given priority when selecting candidates for anesthesiology residency programs in Saudi Arabia.