Sociodemographic and educational profile of the residency preceptor in a postgraduate program in medical education

Introduction: Medical residency is a form of specialized education where physicians undergo training in health units accredited by the National Medical Residency Commission (CNRM). In these programs, preceptors hold at least a medical residency certificate. However, there are no evaluative criteria regarding the pedagogical qualification, training, and skills required to perform the preceptor role in most of these postgraduate services. There are few studies in the literature on the sociodemographic and educational situation, satisfaction levels and remuneration for preceptorship. Objective: This study aims to describe the sociodemographic and educational profile of Brazilian medical preceptors participating in a postgraduate medical preceptorship course in Brazil in 2022. Method: This is a quantitative, descriptive study aiming at a cross-sectional, non-probabilistic survey of the sociodemographic and educational profile of Brazilian medical residency preceptors. Data collection was conducted between December 2022 and January 2023 through an electronic questionnaire using Google Forms, directed at participants of a Specialization Course in Medical Residency Preceptorship in Brazil. Results: Among the 144 respondents, 70.8% are female, and the most prevalent age group is 40-49 years. The main states where they work are São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro. Of the participants, 92.3% hold a medical residency certificate. Regarding the reason, 83.3% state they enjoy teaching. Concerning personal satisfaction, 64.5% feel satisfied “most of the time.” Additionally, 83.3% of the institutions where they work are exclusively public and 61.1% do not receive a salary for performing the role. Lastly, 78.4% of the respondents reported that there is no performance evaluation at their workplace. Conclusion: The participating preceptors predominantly have the experience and qualifications for the role, and enjoy their function, although many lack specific pedagogical training in preceptorship and most do not receive a salary for performing the task. The obtained data can contribute to implementing career plans, specific work hours, protected study time, wage floor, rights and duties, promoting the continuous improvement of residency teaching.