Acceptance of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Practice Among Iranian Physicians and Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract Background The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into healthcare is rapidly advancing; however, research on its acceptance among medical professionals in Iran remains limited. This study aimed to assess the acceptance of AI in medical practice among Iranian physicians and medical students. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and June 2023 at multiple medical institutions in Iran. The study included 535 participants (351 medical students and 184 physicians) who completed an online questionnaire assessing awareness, experience, attitudes, and willingness to adopt AI in clinical practice. Results Medical students reported significantly higher use of AI-based decision support systems (89.5%) than physicians (45.1%) (p = 0.038). Both groups frequently encountered AI errors (physicians: 65.1%, students: 68.5%). Attitudes toward AI were generally positive, with no significant differences based on gender or surgical specialty. However, years of medical experience significantly influenced attitudes (p = 0.02), with less experienced professionals showing more positive attitudes. Conclusions This study revealed a generational shift in AI adoption, with medical students showing higher acceptance rates. Although the attitudes were generally positive, the high prevalence of AI errors highlights the need for improved system reliability and targeted training programs. These findings have important implications for medical education, healthcare institutions, and AI developers in the evolving landscape of AI integration in Iranian healthcare.