Background:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly reshaping healthcare through advancements in diagnosis, therapeutic decision-making, and patient care management. This study designed to evaluate the attitudes and
readiness of medical science students toward AI, to inform and improve AI-related educational programs.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at Mazandaran University of
Medical Sciences (MAZUMS), Iran, between December ۲۰۲۳ and March ۲۰۲۴. A total of ۶۳۷ students enrolled in medical and health sciences programs were recruited through convenience sampling via online platforms. Data were collected using a ۳۱-item online questionnaire captured demographic information, exposure to AI-related education, and
readiness for AI. The study utilized the validated Persian version of the
Medical Artificial Intelligence Readiness Scale for
Medical Students (MAIRS-MS). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version ۲۲, with a significance threshold set at p < ۰.۰۵.Results: In total, ۶۳۷ Iranian medical sciences students participated. Of these, ۵۴.۲% were in preclinical training and ۴۵.۸% were in clinical phases. Most participants (۸۰.۷%) reported gaining knowledge about AI primarily through media sources. Radiology, general surgery, and diagnostic decision-making were identified as the disciplines most influenced by AI. According to MAIRS-MS results, students demonstrated the highest
readiness in ethical aspects and the lowest in cognitive domains. The mean overall
readiness score was ۶۳.۱۹±۱۲.۸۶ (out of ۱۰۰). Participants with previous AI-related education achieved significantly higher
readiness scores compared with those without such training (β = ۶.۳۶, p < ۰.۰۰۱).Conclusion: Iranian medical students showed substantial interest in AI, although their levels of
readiness varied, with stronger ethical understanding and weaker cognitive competencies. Exposure to prior AI education was linked to higher
readiness scores, emphasizing the necessity of incorporating structured AI instruction into medical curricula. Overall, these results underscore the importance of targeted curriculum development to equip future healthcare professionals with the skills required for effective AI integration.
