Beyond metropolises: artificial intelligence awareness and educational needs among medical students in a developing country

Offering a rare perspective from a non-metropolitan city in a developing country, this study reveals that medical students exhibit high motivation for AI integration despite significant knowledge gaps. This enthusiasm presents a critical opportunity for curriculum reform. There is an urgent need for context-appropriate AI curricula to bridge the gap between student interest and preparedness, thereby empowering the next generation of physicians in diverse settings for the future of digital healthcare.