Background: The pursuit of emergency medicine (EM) as a career path among Saudi medical graduates is influenced by various factors and trends, especially considering of the Vision 2030 initiative. Students’ attitudes and preferences toward medical specialties play a vital role in aligning medical education with workforce requirements and enhancing patient care. This study aims to explore these influences to better understand the motivations and preferences shaping medical students' decisions.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia between April and June 2023, targeting sixth year and internship medical students. A structured questionnaire captured demographic data, and perceptions of factors impacting EM career choice. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, employing descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and non-parametric tests.
Results: Out of 764 participants, 44.4% expressed an interest in pursuing EM as a career. Exposure to EM courses, especially when presented by EM physicians, and participation in EM elective training positively influenced career choice. Having relatives specialized in EM, awareness of healthcare transformation programs, and alignment with Vision 2030 were also factors impacting decision-making. Participants valued acceptable working hours and flexibility as key influencers, highlighting the significance of work-life balance considerations.
Conclusion: The study illuminates the trends shaping Saudi medical graduates' pursuit of emergency medicine careers, emphasizing the pivotal roles of exposure to emergency medicine during medical school training, mentorship, flexibility in work, and alignment with national initiatives. By addressing these factors, healthcare systems can effectively cultivate a skilled workforce prepared to meet the dynamic demands of emergency care and contribute to achieving the goals of Vision 2030.
Key words: Emergency Medicine, Medical graduates, Future Career, Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia.
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