SAUDI BOARD PROGRAM

Cardiology

Introduction

During the past three decades, the magnitude of research and development in the field of cardiac in investigational techniques (invasive and noninvasive) and management plans have developed with fast pace. Since the establishment of the College of Medicine at King Saud University (KSU) in the year 1389 A.H (1969 A.D), the number of medical graduates has increased significantly. These graduates have been absorbed by various departments and subspecialties, some of whom have become pioneers in their fields and have achieved and have achieved international reputations especially in the fields of Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery. The facilities provided in these two fields and the standard care of cardiac patients at King Khalid University Hospital, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Riyadh Armed Forces Hospital in Riyadh are equivalent to other teaching hospitals of international reputation.

Till recently, Saudi doctors used to go abroad for subspecialty training in Cardiology. However, the increasing need for Saudi Cardiologists and the established International recognition of the above mentioned hospitals created the demand for a fellowship program to provide subspecialty training in Cardiology to a level that will enable the holder of its diploma to discharge the duties as a consultant cardiologist.

The Fellowship Program in Cardiology will commence at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, in liaison with other accredited and/or affiliated hospitals. This program is approved by King Saud University Council.

The main objective of the KSU Fellowship Program in Cardiology is to produce a competent, safe and skilled cardiologist so that he can assess, diagnose and manage the cardiac patients in an optimal manner.

Synopsis of Cardiology Fellowship Program

First Year of Training

1. Clinical Cardiology
2. Coronary Care Unit
3. Noninvasive Cardiology
4. Cardiac Catheterization

Second Year of Training

1. Clinical Cardiology
2. Research or other Rotation ( Elective)
3. Noninvasive Cardiology
4. Cardiac Catheterization

Note: This 24-month training period does not qualify the trainee to become a consultant in Cardio-Vascular Diseases or an expert in these technical skills.

Third Year of Training

1. Invasive Cardiology : Cardiac catheterization (right and left) and coronary angiography
2. Noninvasive Cardiology: 2D echocardiography, Doppler, pulsed and continuous wave, color Doppler, esophageal echocardiography, resting ECS, stress ECS, Holter monitoring and nuclear cardiology.

Prerequisite for Training:

After successful completion of at least four years of residency program in internal medicine and possessing a post-graduate degree in medicine (e.g. King Saud University Fellowship or equivalent) the candidate is eligible for the cardiology training program for three years.

At the end of the three years if successful training in cardiology and passing of the examination, the candidate will be awarded the certificate of KSU Fellowship in Cardiology.