Medical Students' Perceptions of ChatGPT Integration in English Medium Instruction: A Study from Saudi Arabia

ChatGPT has significantly impacted various educational sectors, including English-medium instruction (EMI). This study explores perceptions of Saudi medical students at the University of Bisha on integrating ChatGPT into their EMI coursework, focusing particularly on its influence on their comprehension and application of medical terminology in English. Employing a descriptive research design, this research collected data from 54 students using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data collection was facilitated through a questionnaire administered via Google Forms, with responses analyzed statistically using SPSS and qualitatively through thematic analysis. Results indicate a positive student reception towards ChatGPT, particularly its role in enhancing their understanding of medical English. These findings suggest substantial pedagogical benefits, proposing that meticulous integration of ChatGPT could significantly improve EMI in medical education. The study highlights ChatGPT’s capability to aid students in grasping complex medical terms and concepts, stressing the importance of strategic deployment to maximize educational outcomes. Furthermore, this research underscores the necessity for ethical guidance to enable students to critically evaluate the accuracy of information, thus mitigating dependence on potentially erroneous AI outputs. This study establishes a foundational framework for the future integration of ChatGPT in EMI, contributing innovatively to the field.