Abstract Introduction: Rheumatology is a medical speciality that studies the inflammation of musculoskeletal structures and internal organs. Rheumatic diseases are a major cause of disability, often leading to frequent medical consultations and emergency visits. Despite their prevalence, undergraduate teaching of rheumatology is superficial. This impacts future healthcare practitioners’ skills and knowledge of rheumatology. Aim: This study aims to assess the competency and satisfaction of medical students in Saudi Arabia toward teaching and clinical exposure to rheumatology. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students at different medical schools in Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to them using an online survey. The questionnaire included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, the status of rheumatology teaching, and the student’s competency and satisfaction with rheumatology teaching and clinical exposure at their medical schools. Results: A total of 439 medical students participated in the survey, of which 62.2% were male and 53.8% were between 23 and 24 years of age. The overall mean competency and satisfaction scores were 6.49 and 6.76, respectively. Results suggested that while more than half (51.3%) had average competency levels, their overall satisfaction with rheumatology teaching was low (32.8%). Increased competency and satisfaction were associated with studying at a governmental college, being in the 6th year level, receiving the teaching of rheumatology from a rheumatologist, and attending rheumatology clinics. Conclusion: Teaching and clinical exposure to rheumatology at medical schools are suboptimal. Greater attention is required to improve medical students’ satisfaction with this unmet educational need.
Hafiz et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
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