Neonatal Fellowship Training Program

Aim of the Program:

General Objectives

1. To train and graduate interested pediatricians in the field of perinatal-neonatal medicine.
2. To provide an educational environment that will promote the standard of health services in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
3. To promote research in the field of perinatal-neonatal medicine.

Specific Objectives

At the end of the training, the candidate should have the following capabilities and skills:

1. Possess sound knowledge in the principles of Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine.
2. Perform a thorough and appropriate history and physical examination.
3. Formulate an appropriate and comprehensive differential diagnosis, recognize and manage common disorders in newborn infants and many of the rare ones, especially those that are amenable to treatment.
4. Select relevant investigations, and interpret their results accurately.
5. Possess good skills in various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in NICU.
6. Recognize and manage emergencies appropriately.
7. Demonstrate specific qualities relevant to Perinatology - Neonatology (e.g., knowledge on perinatal regionalization, perinatal epidemiology, quality assurance, etc.)
8. Participate in providing consultation for the high-risk fetus and the newborn's resuscitative, transport, and consultative services.
9. Keep orderly and informative medical records.
10. Function as a member of the healthcare team.
11. Demonstrate practical communication skills.
12. Display empathy with families and neonates.
13. Relate ethical consideration of the healthcare of neonates.
14. Educate and update oneself through appropriate continuous medical education.
15. Demonstrate effective teaching of Pediatric Residents and other neonatal healthcare providers (e.g., nurses, respiratory therapists, etc.)
16. Participate in research.
17. Understand the relevant aspects of staff management and administration.
18. Build leadership capabilities.

Program Outcomes ( and what does it qualify the one who satisfactorily completed the Program):

During the 2-year training, the Fellow will have different rotations inside and outside the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

1. The Fellow will be under close academic and clinic supervision of the Neonatologist on duty.
2. The performance of the Fellow will be evaluated during the two years of the Fellowship.
3. Promotion from F1 to F2 depends on the end of the Fellow’s first-year overall evaluation, in addition to passing the end of the year exam.
4. To be eligible for the final written examination, the candidate shall pass the second year overall evaluation and the end of year examination.
5. The Certification Examination consists of written and clinical parts. Passing the written part is a prerequisite to enter the clinical exam.
6. If the Fellow passes the Training Program and works as a Consultant Pediatrician for one year, he/she will be qualified to be a Consultant in Neonatology.

Overview of Training Levels:

First Year (F1): Total of 52 weeks or 1 Year

• Forty to forty-four weeks - Rotation in our hospital (includes rotation in the NICU, ICN, High-risk, Follow-up Clinic, Elective Rotation, and Research Period)
• Four to eight weeks – Outside rotation (will be on unpaid leave or will be taken from his days/holidays)
• Four weeks – Holiday

Second Year (F2): Total of 52 weeks or 1 Year

• Forty to forty-four weeks - Rotation in our hospital (includes rotation in the NICU, ICN, High-risk, Follow-up Clinic, Elective Rotation, and Research Period)
• Four to eight weeks - Outside rotation (will be on unpaid leave or will be taken from his days/holidays)
• Four weeks - Holiday

Academic Activities in The Program:

Program Governance:

It is overseen by Program Director, Program Committee, and Postgraduate Medical Education.

Contact Us:

Dr. Saif Al Saif

Program Director

Pediatrics Department

King Abdulaziz Medical City – Riyadh

• Address: P.O. Box 22490 Riyadh, 11426
• Phone No.: 801-1111 ext. 11290
• Fax No.: +966-11-8011111 ext. 11641
• Email: saifs@ngha.med.sa