King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre – Riyadh

Advantages: Respectful nice helpful and considerate doctors, short hours due to a low work load in comparison to MNGHA so plenty of time to study, no teaching sessions but there are teaching opportunities if you asked for.

Disadvantages: The 7:30 mandatory morning meeting, there is an attendance sheet that is closely monitored and removed at 7:40. Also a general idea at KFSH IM is that they really care if you are interested or not in the speciality as if they’re saying why come if you’re not interested, which is not a disadvantage to some. They still wouldn’t refuse that you attend their rounds or ask questions.

Tips: Present a lot of cases and show initiative.

Experience: honestly, high load of patients, interns work as much as residents do.

Advantages: very informative and fun. you will meet and work with great consultants

Disadvantages: no time to study whatsoever, shifts are very hectic so I usually leave with 0 energy for the rest of the day. You will also do all the dirty work, like consultations, consents, etc.. wouldn't recommend if you have an exam on that month.

Experience: Highly depends on the junior you're attached with, they really appreciate the “chain of command”, so your only communication with the team will be through the juniors. Your tasks are pretty easy, (morning round> notes> home) you also might be asked to do some consents for radiology, consents PICC line insertion/removal. Some will let you remove JP drains and surgical clips.

Advantages: No oncalls (you're only required to do one weekend round; Friday&Saturday), pretty good working hours

Disadvantages: Some days are expected to be hectic, especially if the junior is in the OR, you’ll be doing all the ward stuff

Tips: Do your evaluation early, you’re not going to see the consultant everyday