Perception of medical students and interns toward orthopedics as a future career in Saudi Arabia

Objectives: This study evaluated medical students’ and interns’ views on orthopedics as a career, focusing on the influence of mentors, rotations, and misconceptions around orthopedics. Methods: In November 2023, a cross-sectional study through an electronic questionnaire was conducted in Saudi Arabia. It was distributed to medical students and interns through social media, including WhatsApp group chats and broadcast lists, using relevant medical education hashtags. Results: Three hundred and ninety-three respondents agreed to participate, and their responses were included in the analysis. Females comprised 261 (66.4%) respondents. Interest in orthopedics as a career choice was indicated by 173 respondents (44%). One hundred and thirty participants (32.7%) were inspired in their first and second years of medical school. Nearly half of the participants (192; 48.9%) viewed the field positively. Mentors were identified by 50 respondents (12.7%) as pivotal in shaping their perspectives, while hospital training emerged as a significant influencer of medical students’ perceptions of orthopedics with 112 participants (28%). Conclusion: Most medical students view orthopedics positively, seeing it as prestigious and are often inspired early in their studies. Mentorship and hospital rotations are crucial, significantly shaping their perceptions and emphasizing the field’s rewards through practical experiences.