Asthma Allergy Immunology

Asthma Allergy Immunology

2014, Vol 12, Num, 1     (Pages: 054-058)

Allergy & immunology training: what do fellows expect?

Betül BÜYÜKTİRYAKİ 1, Ayfer TUNCER 1, Derya Ufuk ALTINTAŞ 2, Zeynep MISIRLIGİL 3, Bülent Enis ŞEKEREL 1,

1 Division of Pediatric Allergy, Department of Children’s Health and Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
2 Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Department of Children’s Health and Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
3 Division of Immunology and Allergy Diseases, Department of Chest Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara,Turkey

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The feedback of fellows is critical for improving training programs. The expectations/perceptions of Allergy/ Immunology fellows were investigated through a web based-survey. The majority (91%) of fellows participated (median age: 34 years, interquartile range: 32- 37 years); 70% were pediatricians. The most common reasons to apply for the fellowship-training were: expectations of higher specialization (76.7%) and pursuing an academic career (73.3%). Though the majority (80%) were satisfied with their decision to apply to a subspecialty program, for one third, the training did not meet their expectations and one fourth perceived that the facilities in their department were not adequate for A/I training. 42% believed that a standardized core curriculum is mandatory, and in addition 86% of fellows desired to attend national and international exchange programs. Future anxiety was reported in 47.4%, but only one fourth are pessimistic about their career in the future. This survey provides interesting insights and feedback to address the shortcomings in training programs.

Keywords : Fellow, speciality, survey, training