JEDDAH, 19 October 2005 — A French delegation of medical college professors visited King Abdul Aziz University Hospital and Medical College here this week initiating the first formal cooperation between the KAAU and France. The agreement identifies several areas for cooperation including student training, staff exchange and participation in workshops. The first batch of medical students from KAAU began their training in France this year.
“I was in France last month and met the deans of medicine there and we discussed accelerating the process for fruitful cooperation at different levels, including exchange of staff and participation in external exams and workshops as well as facilitating contact between the faculties,” said Dr. Hussein Malibary, dean faculty of medicine at KAAU.
The delegation consisting of Professor Christiane Bebear, dean of faculty of medicine of Bordeaux, and Professor Jean-Marie Desmonts, vice president, University of Paris, met with Dr. Malibary Sunday morning. They also exchanged views with staff and students at the university hospital.
The students wanted to know more about program, the system the diploma, duration of training and the medium of instruction, Bebear told Arab News.
“Teaching is in French and they have to communicate in French. We offer six months intensive language training before they begin medical training and that provides them with a good enough foundation to build on,” said Desmonts.
Dr. Malibary said this was good for the Saudi students as they would not only learn French but would also get an opportunity to know the French culture.
“Studying abroad is not just about studying; it as well is gaining the positive sides of a culture. As for the faculty, any link with international faculties will increase their reputation and we learn a lot from each other,” he added.
The professors were impressed with facilities at the medical college, especially the labs and computer systems and would like to see cooperation in research and development.
The duration of study in France depends on the specialization. “We offer tailor-made training according to the needs of the university and student,” said Dr. Aubry, regional counselor for health at the French Embassy who is in charge of the cooperation program.
Dr. Malibary explained that while the post-graduate training system in North America requires for example three years of internal medicine and two years specialist medicine, in France a trainee can spend two semesters in internal medicine and the remainder of the time specializing. “In my opinion that is better because the trainee spends more time in sub-specialty,” he said.
Saudi students would be getting the same kind of training as the French and the same degree except that it would not allow them to work there. The degree is recognized in Saudi Arabia.
