Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on career perceptions among medical students in (IMSIU)

Background and aim: COVID-19 pandemic has impacted daily activities due to restrictions regarding social distancing. We aim to investigate the effect of withholding clinical rotations and elective rotations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on career perceptions among medical students in Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU). Design: A cross-sectional study aimed at IMSIU medical students in Riyadh. A questionnaire was distributed in April 2021 through WhatsApp to randomly select medical students from all years except preparatory-year students. Results: We collected 301 responses. 41.9% reported not starting any clinical rotations, and 38.5% indicated finishing some clinical rotations. Of the total students surveyed, 49.5% indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic influenced their choice of specialty; 48.6% felt that they had discovered new interests. which affected their consideration. In comparison, 40.5 % believed that COVID -19 had limited their ability to explore their considered specialty. A total of 63.1% students were concerned about fulfilling their graduation requirements in a timely manner, and 15.9% thought that they would need an additional year in medical school before applying to residency because of COVID-19. Conclusion: It was found that most of the students did not complete their clinical rotations or electives. Moreover, we found that the COVID-19 pandemic influenced students' perceptions about their specialty choices after graduation. Most of the students surveyed said their intentions had changed from pursuing specialties that required direct contact with patients to those that did not.