Residency training is an important part of the medical and dental career pathway…
Still on the trail of speaking with resident doctors in Nigeria, towards providing insights into the current state of residency for other colleagues and dispelling misconceptions surrounding this pathway, we interviewed Dr F. D., a surgery resident who started her training in Urology at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) back in 2022, and is currently a senior resident.
Interviewer: Medical Mirror (MM) Correspondent, Mary O. A. Awoniyi
MM: What motivated you to pursue a residency program in Nigeria, and how did you come to choose the specialty and faculty you are training in?
I would say that God’s leading redirected my path into residency in Nigeria. My expectation was getting formal training in Cardiothoracic Surgery, as that was what made me fall in love with surgery during my housemanship. But as I rotated through the various surgical postings, I fell in love with Urology and that played a role in my choice of Urology for specialty training.
I fell in love with the Urological surgeries; how most patients’ quality of life significantly improved following surgery. As well as the rich support and mentorship the consultants provide for residents. I can boldly say, Urology is a toxic free space. ~ Dr F. D., Senior Resident, Urological Surgery, LUTH
MM: Since commencing your specialty training, what has been the highlight and most rewarding part of your experience so far?
Since starting my Urology specialty training, the highlight was passing my Part 1 NPMCN exam. While the most rewarding aspect would be getting to meet patients we had operated on, and the outcomes were successful. It is always gratifying.
MM: There are so many hear-says about residency in Nigeria today, what are some common misconceptions that you’ve encountered, and how do you wish people could better understand the experience?
Hear-says I’ve heard is that “residency is toxic”, “residency is a waste of time”. Toxicity in residency has reduced significantly, compared to what it was in the past. There is also room for career growth and opportunities in Nigeria and abroad, once one can research and open oneself to these opportunities. Many now go through the route of fellowship to Japa – if it’s something that is desired – because people seem to think once one finishes residency, the opportunity to get foreign training narrows.
The system can be crazy though, in terms of workload but it can help build capacity fast, depending on how one chooses to look at it. ~ Dr F. D., Senior Resident, Urological Surgery, LUTH
MM: What are some of the current challenges encountered during residency training, and how do you think these can be managed by residents?
Challenges currently faced include frequent call duties, poor welfare for residents in terms of call rooms, call food, theatre food during surgery day. The more residents that are available, the more the workload improves. Stronger ARD can push for some of these basic things. Although I acknowledge that the welfare problem is a “center” problem, because not all centers face the exact same issues.
MM: How do you balance the demands of residency training with personal life? what coping mechanisms do you use? and what self-care practices do you prioritize?
On balancing work and personal life, honestly, I just take each day as it comes. I make sure to carry my spouse along as much as possible. I try to make up with good sleep after very busy calls. I also enjoy listening to gospel music, spending time with loved ones etc.
MM: How do you see the future of specialty training in Nigeria evolving?
Although we’ve seen interest in residency increased in some departments over the last one year. I’m guessing the new rules and delay in getting job placements in diaspora (e.g. UK) has a role to play, albeit speculative.
I believe more can be done by our own stakeholders to accommodate and maximise the retention of doctors in our system.
MM: What advice would you give to junior residents who are just starting their programs?
Take each day as it comes. Never lose your fire or love for the job.
MM: What message would you like to convey to potential applicants who may be hesitant or unsure about pursuing a residency program?
Residency gives room for growth. Be open; opportunities still exist despite all the hear-says.
On a scale of 1-10, I will rate my own residency experience 7/10. ~ Dr F. D., Senior Resident, Urological Surgery, LUTH
MM: If you could go back in time, would you still make the same decision. Same specialty? Same training centre
Same specialty? Yes. Same training center? Yes. Just because I have got the best trainers. Thank you
