Experience of undergraduate medical students of Al-Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) about the international summer elective program (ISEP)

Abstract

Background: An approach to a way of learning that is not considered as a necessary part of the medical curriculum credits is by having an additional medical course program referred to as ‘elective’, which is usually conducted in a period other than the yearly academic calendar. Electives are selected based on student interest, whether it be a research type or clinical rotations. Purpose: to understand the student’s perception about the experience of the International Summer Elective Program (ISEP) in year 2017 from 1st year to 4th year on the students selected and who traveled for this study. Methods: An online form questionnaire was sent to students during February 2019 from 1st year to 4th, 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 9 out of the total participants (20.5%), stated the (ISEP) program was above their standards. Also, 18 students (40.9%) believe they had gained ‘good’ quality research skills throughout the International Summer Elective Program (ISEP). Conclusion: The International Summer Elective Program (ISEP) study on Al-Imam Muhammad Bin Saud Islamic University College of Medicine students provided a positive impact on multiple areas. We recommend Saudi medical colleges consider initiating international electives courses for their students for a broadly positive effect on multiple areas to maximize the full potential of their future physicians to serve the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Keywords: Elective summer program, medical students, extracurricular activities, Saudi Arabia