PHYSICIANS IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

THE PROGRAM
OUR GOAL
SELECTION
CRITERIA
POSITIONS
AVAILABLE NOW
AND IN THE
FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
HOW TO APPLY
CONTACT US
FUTURE
PHYSICIANS IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (“PDP”)
SAUDI ARAMCO
2
POSITIONS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
TARGETED FOR
EMERGENCY MEDICINE
Other specialty positions will be available soon – stay
tuned
Our PDP Program needs YOU
THE PROGRAM
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Development Program for young Saudi physicians.
Saudi Aramco Medical Services Organization (“SAMSO”) identifies the long-term number of specialists
required to offer a high standard of medical care for its employees and their dependents.
Newly graduated Saudi physicians are hired (after completion of their internship), targeted for a certain
specialty.
During their two-year (or less) period in SAMSO, the PDPs perform developmental rotations through
Clinical Services, which will include inpatient and outpatient settings, under supervision. They will receive
constant evaluation and feedback from various preceptors, and will have mid- and end-point evaluations
in each rotation.
The PDPs actively participate in educational activities. In addition, on every work day (Saturday to
Wednesday) a two-hour session — from 2-4pm — is blocked in their schedule so that they may utilize that
time for studying and attending grand rounds/lectures, or any other relevant educational activity. A
library/research month is also allocated to them during their time in SAMSO, prior to embarking on
residency training.
The PDPs prepare and sit for exam(s) required for Out-of-Kingdom residency programs.
Once the residency training program is complete, the PDP will return to work in SAMSO as a specialist.
SAMSO’S GOAL IN RELATION TO THE PHYSICIAN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
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To offer the PDPs all of the help needed to attain a residency training program in North America in their
targeted specialty.
If they are unable to fulfill the requirements to be sponsored for residency training in North America, they
will have acquired the skills needed to function as a highly efficient General Practitioner. This goal is in
keeping with the company’s policy of training Saudi professionals to the highest standards, to meet the
health needs of the company workforce and their dependents.
SELECTION CRITERIA
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Graduate of a Medical School recognized by Saudi Arabia.
Maximum of 3 years following completion of internship, unless already a resident at another hospital
(King Faisal Specialist Hospital, National Guard Hospital or North American Graduate Program). No more
than 4 years since graduation.
Minimum GPA 2.75/4 or 3.75/5.
Dedication to the area of specialty.
Contingent upon successful completion of Internship and submission of all required documents, including
official release from the previous employer/sponsor.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Currently we are looking for two PDPs targeted for Emergency Medicine. In 2012 we are expecting to advertise for
PDPs to be targeted for residency training in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine and
Surgery.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q.
A.
Where is the program?
Dhahran Health Center, Saudi Aramco
Q.
How long is the program?
A.
Two years to complete the program, but if the candidate completes the required examinations and finds a
placement before the two years, and subject to sponsorship approval, the candidate may depart for residency
training before the two-year period ends.
Q.
A.
Who can apply?
Any young Saudi physician who meets the selection criteria.
Q.
A.
Which schools do Aramco send applications to on behalf of the candidates?
Applications are sent to Canadian and US universities.
Q.
A.
Why does Aramco not send applications to Europe?
The process is complicated and more protracted than in the US and Canada.
Q.
Does Aramco have a contract with any schools in North America?
A.
Saudi Aramco currently has a contract with Tufts University whereby two EMS candidates per year can
apply for placement at their school. This is contingent upon qualification and a successful interview. Candidates
will be reviewed on their own merit and there is no guarantee of a place. Candidates are encouraged to strive for
the best scores and to realize they are competing against international candidates.
Saudi Aramco has agreements with many Canadian schools who have trained many of our current Saudi Specialists
and Subspecialists. These agreements are long-standing and Saudi Aramco is well known to them and enjoys a
good rapport and has earned a good reputation.
Q.
Will we be sponsored for the MCCEE and USMLE Step 1 and 2 exams?
A.
Yes, but it is advantageous to the candidate to start these prior to joining Saudi Aramco, so that they can
be ‘fast tracked’ through the PDP program (see ”how long is the program” for an explanation)
Q.
What specialties are we looking for?
A.
For 2011/12 we have two slots remaining for PDPs targeted for Emergency Medicine. We have filled 4
vacancies to date in 2011. In 2012 there is potential for Internal Medicine, Surgery and Family medicine. To date
we have not received the required number. Keep an eye on this website for current updates.
Q.
A.
What will our salary and benefits be?
A Saudi Employment representative can answer that question.
Q.
What will the work location be once we have completed our residency training and return to Saudi
Arabia?
A.
Potentially you could be sent to work in remote areas such as Ras Tanura or Al Hasa, as well as Dhahran.
Q.
A.
What rotations can I be expected to embark on during the program?
They are similar to that of an Internship program, below is an outline of a typical program.
PROGRAM
DURATION
1. Internal Medicine
3 months
2. Pediatrics
3 months
3. Emergency Medicine
3 months
4. Surgery
2 months
5. Ob/Gyn
2 months
6. Cardiology
1 month
7. Orthopedic
1 month
8. Radiology
1 month
9.Anesthesia
1 month
10. Primary Care – Out Patients
2 months
11. The final rotation will be customized according to the
target specialty.
5 months
Q.
Once I complete the program how long do I need to work at Saudi Aramco without breaking my
contract?
A.
You would be expected to complete employment with Aramco and match years of services with the
number of years Aramco has sponsored you for training.
Q.
A.
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What are the required documents referred to in selection criteria?
Electronic copies of the following:
Transcript showing the cumulative GPA score
Medical Graduation Certificate
Internship Certificate
CV clearly stating experience, current and past relevant activities, up to date personal details
Recent passport size photograph (with or without head covering)
Three letters of reference
Clear copy of national ID
And, if applicable, copies of the following certificates:
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MCCEE
USMLE Step 1
USMLE Step 2 CK
USMLE Step 2 CS
ECFMG Certificate
HOW TO APPLY
Please apply on http://jobs.saudiaramco.com
CONTACT US
Helen Rowlands
SAMSO Learning & Development
Tel: (03) 877 3250
Email: [email protected]