Abstract :
BACKGROUND: Literature on radiology residency in Nigeria is
sparse, even for decades after its commencement. There is
therefore the need to inquire into the problems and prospects of
the programme, at least from the perspectives of the residents.
OBJECTIVE: To determine residents’ perception of the radiology
residency programme, residents’ view on state of facilities, and
their opinion on the future of radiology training in Nigeria.
METHODS: Self-administered semi-structured questionnaires,
were given to residents to complete. Contacts were made with
residents during update courses and radiologists’ conferences or
meetings.
RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-five questionnaires were
given out and 120 were completed and returned, giving a response
rate of 96 %. Fifty-eight (48%) respondents mentioned academic
interest as the major influencing factor for enrolling into the
programme. Only 20 (16%) residents had made up their minds to
do radiology residency as medical students. All the residents
identified conventional radiography and ultrasound as the only
regularly functioning modalities in their centres, while 72 (60%)
respondents mentioned same for cross sectional imaging
modalities; that is CT and MRI. One hundred and ten (90%)
respondents had rotation through available modalities as the
plank of their training programmes, and 96 (80%) did not feel
happy about the state of teaching aids at their centres. Ninety-six
(80%) of the residents expressed satisfaction at the efforts of the
supervisory postgraduate medical colleges at organising update
courses. Eighty respondents (65%) mentioned limited (or lack
of) exposure to modern imaging modalities as the greatest threat
to the future of radiology residency in Nigeria.
CONCLUSION: Nigerian radiology residents are concerned about
lack of modern imaging tools, facilities at their centres, as well
as opportunities for exposure overseas, and the likely impact of
these on their training and the future of the specialty in Nigeria
