Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the perceptions, attitudes, and barriers toward surgical specialties among female medical students in the Al-Qassim region, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among female medical students in medical schools across the Al-Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire.
Results: A total of 152 students were included (mean age 21.0 ± 2.5 years). Interest in surgical specialties was reported by 65.8% of participants. The main motivators were work environment, financial prospects, and social prestige, while the most common barriers were high stress, long working hours, and pregnancy/childcare challenges. Interest in patient care and parental preference were significantly associated with higher interest in surgery, whereas high stress, pregnancy-related concerns, and lack of same-gender role models were associated with lower interest.
Conclusion: This study highlighted several factors, such as a lack of female mentors, high levels of stress, and childcare difficulties, that have deterred female students from pursuing surgical careers. Providing strong female mentors, addressing gender bias, and offering flexible training can help overcome these barriers.

Key words: Perceptions, attitudes, barriers, surgical careers, female medical students, Saudi Arabia.