Global Health Magazine Q&A for Prof. Aws I. Al-Shamsan, Secretary General, SCFHS

Q1. As a leader in shaping the future of healthcare education, what are the SCFHS’s key priorities for the Global Health Exhibition 2024, and how do they align with your vision for the health practitioners of tomorrow?

The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) is steadfast in its mission to redefine healthcare education through the integration of innovative strategies and state-of-the-art technologies. At the 2024 Global Health Exhibition, themed "Invest in Health," we are championing the development of AI-powered training modules and systems designed to equip practitioners with the advanced skills and expertise necessary to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

I firmly believe that the future of healthcare is AI-driven, with the technology transforming clinical trials, diagnostics, treatment, and personalized care. This aligns with the SCFHS’s vision of shaping future healthcare practitioners — those skilled in leveraging emerging technologies to lead in healthcare innovation. Through AI-powered tools and advanced training solutions, we equip practitioners with the expertise to excel and meet the challenges of tomorrow’s healthcare.

With approximately 83,950 health practitioners registered in 2023, the growing need for forward-thinking training solutions is evident. Through our efforts, we are dedicated to empowering the healthcare workforce to not just adapt but to thrive and excel in an ever-changing medical environment.

Q2. The SCFHS aims to cultivate a competent healthcare workforce with futuristic skills and high standards. How is this vision being brought to life in the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape in Saudi Arabia?

The healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia is on the rise for several reasons. First, as our population increases and ages, especially those over 40 and 60, we anticipate a growing demand for services and changes in care needs. Additionally, government initiatives like the National Transformation Program 2020 are boosting healthcare spending, in turn, encouraging more patients to choose private sector care for its quality and efficiency. New technologies like telemedicine and wearable health monitors are also changing how healthcare is delivered. This means healthcare providers need to rethink how they utilize their facilities and invest in the right IT infrastructure to keep pace with these advancements.

To help us create a skilled healthcare workforce, we analyze and forecast trends in the sector. Our Health Workforce Flow Simulation Platform allows us to predict how many healthcare practitioners we'll need, ensuring our training programs meet the evolving demands of the healthcare landscape in Saudi Arabia.

Q3. Your work with the SCFHS aligns with the healthcare transformation goals of Saudi Vision 2030. What excites you most about how this transformation is preparing future healthcare practitioners to meet the challenges of a changing world?

This year, we saw an incredible 23% increase in applicants for Saudi Board programs, with 16,882 candidates meeting the admission criteria.

Q4. At the SCFHS, we’re focused on continually enhancing our curriculum to prepare future healthcare practitioners for the ever-changing demands of the industry.

By integrating innovative technologies and methodologies, we ensure our training programs remain relevant and effective. Using predictive models, we assess our training capacities and adapt our offerings to meet the complexities of modern healthcare.

This year, we’ve seen a strong interest in specialized training, with 5,330 applicants pursuing specialty programs. This enthusiasm highlights the eagerness of future healthcare professionals to expand their skills and knowledge. We’re dedicated to nurturing this talent by providing the resources and support they need to excel. Our goal is to equip these practitioners with the adaptability and expertise required to thrive in a dynamic environment, ultimately leading to a more resilient healthcare system for everyone.

Q5. With a growing emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, how is SCFHS fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning among healthcare professionals to drive forward-thinking approaches in patient care?

Promoting innovation and continuous learning among healthcare professionals is a top priority for us. One way we achieve this is by integrating advanced technologies into our training programs. For example, our focus on innovation ensures that practitioners stay up to date with the latest skills and are motivated to keep learning and adapting in this ever-changing landscape. Ultimately, this approach leads to better patient outcomes and a more responsive healthcare system.

Q6. With the emergence of AI and digital healthcare tools, how does SCFHS view the integration of these innovations into healthcare training and the preparation of tomorrow’s practitioners?

Integrating AI into medical education offers some exciting benefits that truly enhance the learning experience. For instance, it helps us design better curriculums and streamline assessments, making everything much more efficient. When we combine AI with virtual reality (VR), we take learning in areas like anatomy and surgery to a whole new level, creating engaging and cost-effective experiences. AI also provides personalized feedback, allowing students to refine their diagnostic skills in a relaxed environment. Additionally, it increases transparency in evaluating educational effectiveness and makes learning more accessible, especially in resource-limited areas. Plus, it supports active learning strategies that keep students engaged with the material. All these advancements are crucial in preparing our future healthcare professionals for the challenges they’ll face in their careers.

Q7. As a key partner of the Global Health Exhibition, what aspects of the event are you most excited to engage in, particularly in the context of training and equipping the next generation of health professionals?

As a key partner of the Global Health Exhibition, we are genuinely excited to showcase our innovative AI modules that are transforming healthcare services. We look forward to connecting with other professionals, sharing insights, and discussing how these advancements can empower the next generation of healthcare practitioners.

What excites us is the opportunity to engage in conversations about the future of healthcare education. We believe that by collaborating and sharing best practices, we can create a stronger, more adaptive healthcare workforce. Plus, it’s inspiring to be part of an event that brings together so many passionate individuals dedicated to improving patient care. Together, we can explore innovative strategies to tackle challenges and shape the future of healthcare in our country.

Witnessing this transformation and knowing that we are shaping skilled, adaptable healthcare professionals is truly inspiring!