Abstract

Objective: Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (IDCM) residency training in Türkiye is structured according to the national core curriculum of the Medical Specialization Board. However, notable variations exist in its implementation across training institutions. This study evaluated the extent of curriculum implementation, educational processes, and inter-institutional differences among IDCM training clinics in Türkiye.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey included all institutions authorized to provide IDCM residency training in Türkiye. Data were collected through face-to-face or online administration of a 52-item questionnaire to IDCM residents and early-career specialists. The questionnaire addressed demographic characteristics, academic staffing, curriculum-based educational practices, clinical infrastructure, and working conditions. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and comparative tests.

Results: One hundred participants, representing all IDCM training clinics in Türkiye (n=87), were included. The median participant age was 30 (25–40) years, and 71% were female. Clinics had a median of 6 (1–13) faculty members and 11 (1–55) residents. In 40% of clinics (35/87), the faculty-to-resident ratio was below 1:3. No statistically significant differences were observed among hospital types regarding faculty-to-resident ratio (p=0.134) or number of residents (p=0.127). However, city hospitals had significantly more faculty members (p=0.037). Only 22% of clinics (19/87) provided a separate to rest during night shifts, and 53% (46/87) reported fewer number of computers than residents. Approximately half of the clinics lacked an in-house microbiology laboratory (44/87; 50.5%). Presentations were the most common educational activity (98.9%), while courses were least frequent (13.8%). Faculty participation as presenters during seminars or presentations was significantly higher in university and training and research hospitals (p=0.006).

Conclusion: The findings indicate a need to improve residents’ workload, educational quality, and working conditions. Marked differences exist among IDCM training clinics in Türkiye regarding the implementation of the core curriculum and clinical practices. This study provides comprehensive nationwide data to monitor curriculum compliance and inform the development of residency training.