The brain drain: Why medical students and young physicians want to leave egypt

Background: Egypt has a shortage of physicians despite thousands of medical students graduating annually. Aims: This study aimed to explore the reasons for Egyptian medical students and young physicians wanting to emigrate. Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted from February to April 2019, included 711 fifth-and sixth-year medical students and 174 residents from two medical faculties in Egypt, Tanta and Kafrelshiekh. A questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic factors, desire to emigrate and motives for wanting to emigrate. Results: Most participant (89.4%) wanted to emigrate, and thought their salary was not compatible with their working hours or risks. About half the participants (52.8%) worked part-time in private hospitals. Only 4.9% of participants felt appreciated by the country. Most participants (75.9%) were not satisfied with their relationship with patients and 40.2% were not satisfied with their relationship with colleagues. Verbal abuse was reported by 55.5% of participants and physical assaults by 35.4%. Most participants who wanted to emigrate (85.1%) said they would change their minds if improvements were made in the health sector. Residents generally had less negative attitudes to workplace and professional factors than students. Conclusion: Physicians emigrate to seek better work and financial incentives. A retention policy needs to be developed to prevent Egyptian physicians from emigrating.