Saudi Board EM · Study plan
Saudi Board of Emergency Medicine Study Plan
The Saudi Board of Emergency Medicine (SBEM), administered by SCFHS, has two exit components — a written MCQ paper and an OSCE. This 8-week plan targets the written exam and gives you a repeatable review structure for the OSCE stations, using RescueEM's audio, slides, infographics, and MCQ formats.
Quick facts
| Governing body | Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) |
|---|---|
| Components | Written (MCQ) + OSCE |
| Written format | Multiple-choice, single best answer |
| OSCE format | Multiple short stations (clinical, communication, procedure) |
| Eligibility | Completion of SBEM residency |
| Frequency | Typically twice yearly (spring & fall) — verify with SCFHS |
Exam formats change — always confirm current rules with the official governing body before your sitting.
Week-by-week schedule
Week 1
Resuscitation & Cardiology
- ACLS
- ACS
- Arrhythmias
- CHF
- Hypertensive emergencies
Study format: Audio + 30 MCQs/day
Week 2
Trauma & Ortho
- ATLS
- Head / spine / chest / abdo trauma
- Ortho red flags
- Burns
Study format: Slides + infographic · 40 MCQs/day
Week 3
Respiratory & Airway
- RSI & difficult airway
- Asthma / COPD
- PE
- Ventilator basics
Study format: Slides at lunch · 30 MCQs/day
Week 4
Toxicology & Environmental
- Toxidromes
- Common overdoses
- Envenomations
- Heat/cold injuries
Study format: Audio-heavy · 30 MCQs/day
Week 5
Peds + OB/GYN
- Peds sepsis & PALS
- Peds trauma
- Ectopic
- Postpartum bleeding
Study format: Infographic-first · 40 MCQs/day
Week 6
Neuro + ID + Endocrine
- Stroke pathways
- Status epilepticus
- Sepsis & meningitis
- DKA / thyroid storm
Study format: Mixed formats · 40 MCQs/day
Week 7
OSCE drilling
- Procedure stations (chest tube, LP, cric)
- Communication (breaking bad news, consent)
- ECG & imaging interpretation stations
- Ethical scenarios
Study format: Practice with a partner · role-play
Week 8
Mock + weak-area cleanup
- Full timed mock written
- Timed OSCE circuit
- Review misses
- Spaced-repetition sweep
Study format: One mock + focused MCQs
How to use RescueEM for Saudi Board EM
- Audio — every topic as a podcast for the drive to work.
- Slides — quick lunchtime review of the same topic.
- Infographic — one-page visual before bed.
- MCQs — exam-style questions with rationales + SM-2 spaced repetition.
High-yield topics
- ACLS & PALS algorithms
- Wide-complex tachycardia work-up
- Sepsis bundle & fluid resuscitation
- Toxidromes & antidotes
- Difficult airway plan (Plan A/B/C/D)
- Trauma triage & massive transfusion
- Common ECG danger patterns
- OSCE communication frameworks (SPIKES, ICE)
Exam-day tips
- For OSCE: introduce yourself, wash hands, confirm patient identity — examiners give marks for the basics.
- Written: flag long stems and return — don't lose easy questions to time pressure.
- Practice OSCE out loud with a colleague; silent rehearsal doesn't build fluency.
- For procedure stations, verbalize consent and complications every time.
FAQ
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