AI Readiness Gaps in Syrian Medical Education — A 564-Student Ethics-Focused Readiness Survey

Amid Syria's prolonged crisis, two independent, peer-reviewed studies assess AI readiness in Syrian medical education. One surveyed 564 medical students across three private Syrian universities (University of Kalamoon, Al-Hawash Private University, Al-Sham Private University) using the 22-item Medical AI Readiness Scale for Medical Students (MAIRS-MS); a companion study surveyed 500 students and 200 faculty on technology-enhanced learning more broadly during the 2023-24 academic year.

Overall AI readiness averaged 53.45 of 110 points, with the ethics domain scoring lowest of four domains (mean 5.85, SD 2.53). 77.8% of students reported general AI awareness but only 27.8% had prior hands-on AI experience; awareness rose sharply with GPA (64.3% to 89.1%) and household income (71.6% to 86.8%). In the companion study, 94% of students and 93.5% of faculty agreed technology integration is essential, yet 57% of students cited poor internet access as the top barrier, 33% cited financial burden, and 85.5% of faculty cited lack of institutional support, with 90% of faculty saying they need more training.

Both studies are cross-sectional, self-reported surveys conducted at individual Syrian universities with no control group and no independently measured learning outcomes; they document readiness gaps and infrastructure barriers rather than the results of an evaluated intervention.