Factors associated with choosing diagnostic radiology as a future specialty among Palestinian medical students: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Background: Understanding factors influencing specialty choice is essential for workforce planning and curriculum development. Recruitment into diagnostic radiology remains challenging in several regions, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. This study aimed to identify factors associated with Palestinian medical students’ consideration of diagnostic radiology as a future specialty, with particular emphasis on educational exposure, perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI), and cognitive influences. Methods: A multi-institutional cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate factors influencing the choice of diagnostic radiology as a future specialty among Palestinian medical students between 2 November 2025 and 5 February 2026. Data were collected using a previously validated questionnaire adapted from Almuhanna et al. Descriptive statistics were performed, followed by bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictors of considering radiology as a future specialty. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Results: A total of 427 students participated (56.7% female; mean age 21.75 ± 2.1 years). Among 300 valid responses regarding radiology intention, 102 students (34.0%) reported considering radiology as a future specialty. In multivariable analysis, lack of exposure to radiology research (OR = 0.14, 95% CI 0.06–0.34, p