Abstract
Background: Interventional radiology (IR) is a comprehensive specialty that covers a wide variety of image guided minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Although IR is constantly growing, many people are misinformed regarding the responsibilities of IRs in clinical settings. This study aimed to see the awareness and knowledge among clinical year's medical students at Tabuk University regarding interventional radiology. Methodology: A cross sectional, self-administered questionnaire study. Our target population was the clinical year's medical students at Tabuk university Ethical approval was obtained from the ethical committees of the University of Tabuk. Results: More than half of the participants said that they have an adequate and good knowledge about IR. And (53%) did not think that interventional radiologists have outpatient clinics or even do ward rounds in the hospital (51%). Also, 70% did not believe that they treat patients at all. And 55% believed that interventional radiologists must finish training in Surgery and Radiology, while 30% only correctly identified radiology as a method of training. Regarding the procedures done by interventional radiologists they were familiar to the majority of the participants. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the awareness of IR among senior medical students in Tabuk and Saudi Arabia are higher than other countries. However, there are still low career considerations for IR due to lack of interest. This can be addressed by increasing the IR exposure in medical school through improving the curriculum related to IR increasing IR trainings.