Physicians’ attitudes toward artificial intelligence and ChatGPT: a cross-sectional study

Purpose The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models such as ChatGPT in healthcare has highlighted the need to understand physicians’ perceptions and readiness for clinical adoption. Design/methodology/approach This cross-sectional study included 328 physicians. Data were collected through face-to-face surveys incorporating sociodemographic items, AI/ChatGPT knowledge and interaction questions, and two validated instruments (MAIRS and TAME–ChatGPT). Descriptive statistics, correlations, and simple linear regression were used to identify predictors of ChatGPT acceptance. Findings Physicians demonstrated moderate awareness of AI, while nearly half lacked knowledge about ChatGPT. Among AI readiness dimensions, MAIRS-Ability was the strongest positive predictor of ChatGPT acceptance (β = 0.315, p 0.001). Vision (β = 0.180, p = 0.001) and Ethics (β = 0.143, p = 0.010) also showed significant positive effects, whereas Cognition was not significant. Among sociodemographic variables, duration of medical practice (β = −0.295, p 0.001) and marital status (β = −0.117, p = 0.035) negatively predicted ChatGPT acceptance. Knowledge about AI use in healthcare demonstrated the strongest positive association overall (β = 0.396, p 0.001). Originality/value Physicians exhibit cautious but growing interest in ChatGPT. AI competence, ethical sensitivity, and demographic factors significantly shape acceptance. Structured AI training and clear ethical guidelines are essential to support safe and effective integration of generative AI tools into clinical practice.