Beyond Metropolises: Artificial Intelligence Awareness and Educational Needs Among Medical Students in a Developing Country

Background : Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the healthcare sector by supporting advanced decision making, diagnostic tools, and personalized medicine. However, most medical curricula, especially in developing countries and at newly established institutions, have not fully adapted to these technological advances. Understanding medical students' knowledge, attitudes, and expectations is crucial for designing effective education strategies and preparing future physicians for the digital transformation of healthcare. Objective : This study evaluated the knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and educational expectations of medical students regarding the integration of artificial intelligence and digital health technologies into medical education. It also explored students’ perceptions of the ethical and practical implications of artificial intelligence in clinical practice. Methods : A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted among first- to fourth-year medical students at Samsun University Faculty of Medicine in Turkey. Data were collected using an online questionnaire covering demographics, self-assessed digital literacy, knowledge and awareness of artificial intelligence, attitudes toward artificial intelligence-based educational tools, and open-ended suggestions for improving the curriculum. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used for analysis. Results : Of 235 eligible students, 198 completed the survey. One hundred twenty were randomly selected for analysis. Most students described their digital literacy as moderate or low. Interest in artificial intelligence and digital health was higher among junior students but declined in later years. While positive attitudes toward artificial intelligence integration were common, actual knowledge and independent learning were limited. Conclusion : Medical students in a newly established Turkish medical school show high motivation and positive attitudes toward artificial intelligence integration, despite limited knowledge and self-efficacy. There is an urgent need for comprehensive, ethical, and context-appropriate artificial intelligence curricula to prepare future physicians for digital healthcare.