Abstract

The International Summer Elective Program (ISEP) at a Saudi Public Medical School: Student Views and Lessons Learned

Background: The word “elective” which is usually conducted in a period other than the yearly academic calendar is selected based on student interest, whether it is a research type or clinical rotations. The current study aimed to evaluate the perceptions and experience of the International Summer Elective Program (ISEP).

Methods: An online form questionnaire was sent to students in February 2019 from the 1 st year to the 4 th year with 21 items to study their experience of the International Summer Elective Program (ISEP).

Results: Twenty one of the participants (47.7%) stated that their elective scientific research standards had met their expectations, while nine out of the total participant (20.5%) stated that the (ISEP) program exceeded their expectations. Moreover, 18 students (40.9%) believe that they had gained “good” quality research skills throughout the International Summer Elective Program (ISEP).

Conclusion: The International Summer Elective Program (ISEP) study at the Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University school of medicine provided students with a positive impact in multiple areas; we recommend that Saudi medical schools consider initiating international elective courses for their students for a broadly positive effect on various sites to maximize the full potential of their future physicians to serve the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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