Medical Journal of Clinical Trials & Case Studies (MJCCS)
ISSN: 2578-4838
Research Article
Factors Influencing Brain Drain: Perspectives from a Medical
School in Turkey
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to explore 6th-year medical students' opinions on brain drain, its associated factors, reasons, and potential solutions. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 1 to April 30, 2024, through voluntary face-to-face interviews. The study assessed students' views on brain drain and the factors influencing them. The questionnaire included sociodemographic data, reasons and barriers identified from the literature, and the "Attitude Scale Towards Brain Drain."
Results: Of 236 final-year medical students, 32.6% (n=77) expressed a desire to work abroad. Among these, 75.3% (n=58) planned to return to Turkey eventually. Among those planning to work abroad, 75.3% stated they intended to return to Turkey, while 24.7% planned to emigrate permanently. The average score on the Attitude Towards Brain Drain Scale was 53.2±8.92. The primary motivating factors for emigration included poor working conditions in Turkey (16.6%), the frequency of violence in healthcare settings (16.1%), better living standards and higher income opportunities abroad (14.6%), and dissatisfaction with Turkey’s healthcare policies (12.3%).
Conclusion: One-third of students expressed an interest in living or working abroad, highlighting a risk of losing skilled professionals. Addressing the underlying factors driving brain drain through targeted policies could mitigate this issue and retain future medical talent.
Keywords: Brain Drain; Medical Students; Opinions
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