title: A framework for a competency based medical curriculum in saudi arabia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We recently adopted a competency based curriculum based on the CanMEDs model. This shift required the cross-mapping of all key CanMEDs competencies with the competencies for higher education in Saudi Arabia as per the Saudi National Commission for Academic Accreditation & Assessment (NCAAA) guidelines.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To formulate competencies for our curriculum and to create a framework aligned with NCAAA, CanMEDs and Saudi Meds.
  
  
  METHODS
  After finalization of program outcomes, the program goals were cross-mapped with CanMEDs and Saudi Meds competencies and then the CanMEDs competencies were reverse mapped with our outcomes. Finally benchmarking of outcomes with the programs of the Universities of Manitoba and Toronto was done.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We were able to cross-map and match major outcomes of our program with both the CanMEDs and the Saudi Meds frameworks, ensuring that the outcomes are in line with NCAAA, CanMEDs and Saud Meds. Also, our program objectives were bench marked with two of the Canadian medical schools.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We propose that our framework can be a model for other universities in Saudi Arabia to consider when shifting to a competency based curriculum.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, College of medicine, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Waleed Hamad
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Al Bu Ali
authors.forename: Magdy Hassan
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Balaha
authors.forename: Feroze
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kaliyadan
authors.forename: Mohamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bahgat
authors.forename: Elsayed
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Aboulmagd
keywords: CanMEDs; Competency based curriculum; Cross-mapping competencies.; Saudi MEDs