Study of the viewpoints of Iranian otolaryngologists about their trainings at the residency period

Introduction: Self-evaluation performed by otoloryngologists might help to revise ENT training programs. Collecting and reviewing of viewpoints of otolaryngologists about their training status at residency period might be helpful in this regards. Material and Methods: Questionnaire survey method among otolaryngologists graduated in Iran was used in this study. Results: One third of otolaryngologists responded to questionnaires. Age range was from 32 to 76. Most of them had been graduated within two recent decades with the age between 32-76 years. 64.2% of responders supposed that the length of their trainings had been sufficient. With regard to the contents of training, most of them (69.5%) described the training as sufficient in general ENT fields, while 88.5% of them described the trainings in the rotational fields to be insufficient. Advanced ENT methods had not been adequately presented, according to 91.3% of responders. Most of responders suggested 68.3%, a 4-year ENT residency program and dissertation was reported to be useful. Conclusion: Organizing an ENT curriculum committee with regular & ongoing modifications of ENT training programs based on community needs and situations and international standards is useful. In addition, reinforcement of ENT departments with qualified academic staff and modern equipments may improve ENT residency training in Iran.