A cross-sectional study of career choice in obstetrics and gynecology and its influencing and discouraging factors among medical students in Eastern Saudi Arabia

Female medical students demonstrated greater interest in OB/GYN than males. Gender, academic performance, and institutional context were independently associated with career preference. Addressing modifiable barriers-particularly clinical exposure, mentorship, and cultural perceptions-may help reduce gender disparities and improve recruitment into OB/GYN.