Saudi Commission for Health Specialties

Saudi Board

General Surgery

Introduction

         General Surgery is a Five-year structured training program, upon completion of which the trainee will have developed basic knowledge, clinical skills, and professionalism. The key focus of the program is to develop a broad of knowledge in general surgery. Trainees progressively acquire in-depth knowledge of the diverse field of general surgery specialty during their training.

     Residents also develop clinical skills by utilizing appropriate diagnostic, investigative, and therapeutic judgment. Trainees acquire and sharpen their surgical skills in all general surgery specialties through training in safe practices, become competent in the management of common and serious disease, and learn to effectively manage emergency cases.

  The program focuses on professional behavior and medical ethics, as well as quality management and cost effectiveness. It also implements the seven principles of the CanMeds roles, which will be the standard for the general surgery program accredited by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS).

 The foremost objective of the residency program is to graduate competent and well-trained residents, who are capable of functioning independently and able to provide optimal patient care in the field of general surgery.

Profile of Practice

                A graduate of the Saudi Board in general surgery is expected to work as a competent specialist in the general surgical field.

       The graduate is expected to meet the following criteria with respect to capabilities and skills:

• Have sound knowledge of the principles of surgery.
• Formulate reasonable and comprehensive differential diagnosis for common surgical disorders.
• Recognize emergency surgical situations and manage them effectively.
• Select relevant investigations logically and conservatively, and interpret their results accurately.
• Manage common problems in general surgery and have knowledge of management alternatives.
• Perform specified surgical, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures and operations; especially those used in the management of emergencies and common surgical problems.
• Communicate well with patients, their relatives, and colleagues.
• Keep orderly and informative medical records.
• Stay educated and updated, and inform others in the field.
• Advise colleagues from other specialties with regards to problems related to surgery.
• Possess high ethical and moral standards.

Subsequently , the Saudi Board certified specialist is expected to complete a 2-3 year felloqship (local or overseas) in one of the general surgery subspecialties including acute care, bariatric, breast, colorectal, endocrine, hepatobiliary, minimal invasive, oncology, pediatric, transplant, trauma, upper GIT, and vascular surgery.

Career Paths

• Currently, the SCFHS is conducting a fellowship program in breast and endocrine, colorectal, pediatric, and vascular surgery. Many overseas fellowship programs recognize the Saudi Board in general surgery and most graduates obtain further training board.
• A board-certified specialist will be appointed as a senior registrar for three years before becoming a consultant. He/She can choose between an academic and non-academic career.

General Training Requirements

• Applicants should fulfill all admission requirements by the Saudi Commission rules and regulations for admission into Saudi Board programs.
• Trainees shall abide by the training regulations and obligations as set by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.
• Training is full-time commitment. Residents shall be enrolled in full-time, continuous training for the entire program period.
• Training is to be conducted in institutions accredited for training by the Saudi Commission for general surgery.
• Trainees shall be actively involved in patient care with gradual progression of responsibility.

Structure of the Training Program

                The Saudi Board residency program in general surgery is a five-year structured program. The first three years are the junior residency level and the last two years are the senior residency level. During the junior level, the resident will spend 24 months in general surgery and rotate in other specialties for 12 month; however, residents should not be absent from general surgery from more than six months at a time. Trainees are required to attend and participate in the academic and clinical activities of the department, such as ward rounds, journal clubs, surgical pathology, radiology, immunology, and other activities. Attendance and participation shall not be less than 75% of the number of activities within any training rotation/period.