Factors related to choosing family medicine as future career among senior medical students at King Abdul-Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Family medicine is a vital specialty that provides ongoing care for individuals and families across all ages and genders. As the population grows, the Saudi Ministry of Health has recognized the urgent need for more family physicians to meet the rising healthcare demands. To identify the factors that impact senior medical students at King Abdulaziz University KAU in choosing family medicine as their preferred specialty. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from August 2024 to August 2025. A total of 262 participants completed a self-administered questionnaire that collected sociodemographic data, preferred career choice, and factors influencing that choice. Of the 262 participants, only 47 students [17.9%] chose family medicine as a future career, with female and single students predominance [55.3%] and [83%] respectively, while the remaining participants chose other specialties, with medical specialties being the most popular [53.2%]. Key factors influencing career choices included lifestyle flexibility [62.6%], positive impact by a clinician or a teacher of specialty [53.4%], and personality compatibility [50.8%]. A minority of senior medical students are open to choosing family medicine as a career option. The study reflected diverse factors affecting future career choices among medical students. To foster interest in family medicine, it is crucial to enhance students` exposure to the specialty and leverage the influence of educators and clinicians.