Medical education at king abdulaziz university

Abstract

In developing the medical school at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a considerable amount of planning took place to design a curriculum which would be responsive to the health needs of the Kingdom as well as producing graduates to assume leadership roles in medical education, medical practice, and medical research. The curriculum which was finally developed is a post-secondary, seven-year program. The outstanding features include general overall and specific behavioral objectives: a core curriculum which is required of all students enrolled in the health professions; early orientation to the health professions so that a health team attitude can be developed; and the behavioral sciences and human biology introduced at an early stage. Islamic studies deal with a variety of issues related to Islamic life and electives are available in the first year of the program. Introduction to clerkships is an activity that prepares students for greater responsibility for patients. Students are evaluated constantly during their academic progression and a bachelor of science degree is awarded after completion of four years. To proceed further in the medical curriculum, a student must successfully complete a comprehensive examination. A variety of clinical settings will be used and a medical degree awarded upon completion of the curriculum. A teacher development program to strengthen teaching competence will be available.