Beyond Boundaries: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Shaping the Future Careers of Medical Students in Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) stands at the forefront of revolutionizing healthcare, wielding its computational prowess to navigate the labyrinth of medical data with unprecedented precision. In this study, we delved into the perspectives of medical students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) regarding AI's seismic impact on their careers and the medical landscape. A cross-sectional study conducted from February to December 2023 examined the impact of AI on the future of medical students' careers in KSA, surveying approximately 400 participants, including Saudi medical students and interns, and uncovering a fascinating tapestry of perceptions. Astonishingly, 75.4% of respondents boasted familiarity with AI, heralding its transformative potential. A resounding 88.9% lauded its capacity to enrich medical education, marking a paradigm shift in learning approaches. However, amidst this wave of optimism, shadows of apprehension loomed. A staggering 42.5% harbored concerns of AI precipitating job displacement, while 34.4% envisioned a future where AI usurps traditional doctor roles. Despite this dichotomy, there existed a unanimous recognition of the symbiotic relationship between AI and human healthcare professionals, heralding an era of collaborative synergy. Our findings underscored a critical need for educational initiatives to assuage fears and facilitate the seamless integration of AI into clinical practice. Moreover, AI's burgeoning influence in diagnostic radiology and personalized healthcare plans emerged as catalysts propelling the domain of precision medicine into uncharted realms of innovation. As AI reshapes the contours of healthcare delivery, it not only promises unparalleled efficiency but also holds the key to unlocking new frontiers in treatment outcomes and accessibility, heralding a transformative epoch in the annals of medicine.