BRAIN DRAIN: DOCTORS' CAREER INTENTIONS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS, A QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

cations
and their satisfaction with work conditions in home country and also,
the factors behind leaving and staying in the country.
Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted on 132 junior doctors
of POF Hospital and Wah Medical College, Wah Cantt during November-
December, 2015. The self-administered questionnaire was designed after
extensive literature review and was distributed. Data was analyzed using SPSS
version 19 and p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Majority of the participants intended to seek postgraduate training
in different specialties of medical field (81.8%). International careers were anticipated
by 27.2% of the participants, and UK, Middle East and US was found
to be their preferred choices. 72.7% were not satisfied with working conditions
in home country. 40.9% reported less likelihood of returning back to
Pakistan if opportunity is given to go abroad. Major factors that stood out as
reasons for the intention to emigrate included; doctors being paid a high salary,
higher educational opportunities, good working conditions abroad and
structured career path.
Conclusion: Low expected monthly salary, stressful working environment and
lack of professional growth were the most important reasons of physician
dissatisfaction and migration from developing countries to developed ones.