Teaching forensic medicine in Saudi Arabia: Challenges and opportunities

Forensic medicine plays a crucial role in the intersection of healthcare and the legal system, serving as a pivotal component in the administration of justice. In Saudi Arabia, the teaching of forensic medicine faces a myriad of challenges, from structural limitations within educational institutions to the pressing need for enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration among forensic professionals.

The pedagogy of Forensic Medicine is undergoing a swift transformation. The instructional methodologies previously employed are now regarded as obsolete. Educators in Saudi Arabia are encountering difficulties due to the rapid progress in the field of forensic medicine education. Numerous academic institutions in Saudi Arabia have transitioned from conventional curricula to problem-based learning approaches that increasingly prioritize the needs of students. Furthermore, the advent of innovative technologies and the incorporation of artificial intelligence serve as catalysts for the heightened demands for the enhancement of pedagogical competencies among forensic medical educators. In this scholarly discourse, we have critically examined the multifaceted challenges encountered by educators in the field of forensic medicine within the context of Saudi Arabia. Concurrently, we have also elucidated the various prospects available to forensic medical educators aimed at enhancing the caliber of pedagogical practices within higher education institutions. A pivotal remedial strategy to ameliorate the current situation involves the cultivation of synergistic partnerships with esteemed international forensic medical organizations. Furthermore, fostering an elevated level of awareness regarding forensic medicine and its significance within the societal framework is of paramount importance.