Reinforcing the medical education system and internship program in Saudi Arabia: A narrative review

In Saudi Arabia, the internship program is a crucial part of undergraduate medical education, and the medical interns' confidence and competency are strengthened to develop effective medical professionals for the nation. This narrative review highlighted the crucial aspects of medical education and internship programs that need to be reinforced to prepare more competent medical graduates in Saudi Arabia. Those aspects embrace (i) Domains of Professional Practice, (ii) Stress and Confidence among Interns, (iii) Role of Clinical Supervisors, (iv) Interns' Satisfaction, (v) Fit for Purpose/Preparedness, and vi) Future of Medical Education. Such aspects should be a part of the future look of the Saudi government to build the capacity and capability of human capita and the human capability development program, and also a part of Vision 2030, emphasizing the health, quality of life, sustainability, and human capita. The future framework for medical professional practice should consider digital healthcare, occupational health, patient safety culture, and active crisis management in response to pandemics. Saudi medical schools should assess the factors that influence the stress and confidence of medical interns and implement appropriate strategies in the preclinical years ahead. Clinical supervision should offer future professional guidance for practice and postgraduate studies and provide a safe clinical setting for healthcare delivery, population health, and health security. There is a prerequisite to attain full preparedness among medical interns through active medical education and internship programs in Saudi Arabia.