Factors Influencing the Choice of Neurology as a Specialty among Medical Students and Physicians in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Muhannad A. Alahmadi¹, Moath M. Alomairi¹, Aseel O. Banasir¹*, Abdulaziz M. Almehmadi¹, Nawaf H. Aljafari², Abdulrahman E. Alraddadi³, Sara S. Al-Zahrani², Omar Babateen⁴
1Department of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
2Department of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-Qunfudhah, Saudi Arabia
3ICU Resident Doctor, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC)
4Associate Professor of Neurophysiology & Intraoperative Neurophysiologist, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
* Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel: +966580800490 ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2362-8351
Abstract
Neurological disorders represent a substantial global health burden and contribute to the rising demand for neurologists. In Saudi Arabia, the shortage of neurologists underscores the importance of understanding how medical students and physicians perceive neurology as a career. This study aimed to explore the level of interest in neurology and identify factors influencing specialty selection. This cross-sectional study was conducted between November and December 2024 among undergraduate medical students and medical graduates (residents, fellows, specialists, and consultants) in Saudi Arabia. First-year students and those without prior exposure to neurology were excluded. Data were collected through a structured online questionnaire distributed via social media platforms. The survey included demographic information, motivations for choosing neurology, and reasons for avoiding it. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26 with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression, with significance set at p < 0.05. A total of 937 participants were included. Of these, 38% expressed interest in neurology, 33% were uninterested, and 27% remained undecided. Interest in neurology was significantly associated with higher GPA and being in clinical years. The most frequently reported motivators were general interest in the specialty (65.1%), perceived financial benefits (31.9%), and prestige (28.7%). Conversely, the main deterrents included the difficulty of neuroanatomy and neuroscience (50.3%), poor prognosis of neurological diseases (42.2%), and limited procedural opportunities (20.7%). While many Saudi medical students view neurology as intellectually stimulating and prestigious, widespread neurophobia and concerns about prognosis and limited interventions discourage others. Targeted educational interventions and mentorship may help mitigate barriers and strengthen the future neurology workforce in Saudi Arabia.
Keywords: Neurology; Specialty choice; Medical students; Neurophobia; Career preference; Saudi Arabia; Medical education
How to Cite:
Alahmadi, M. A., Alomairi, M. M., Banasir, A. O., Almehmadi, A. M., Aljafari, N. H., Alraddadi, A. E., Al-Zahrani, S. S., Babateen ,O. Factors Influencing the Choice of Neurology as a Specialty among Medical Students and Physicians in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study. STJ, 2025, 1 (3),34-47. https://doi.org/10.70957/uqu.edu.sa/s.toxicology.s/stj.2025.1.3.3
Received: 19 Nov 2025
Accepted: 15 Dec 2025
Published: 18 Dec 2025
Copyright: © 2025 by the authors.
Licensee Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia