The brain drain: why medical students and young physicians want to leave Egypt

Egypt has a shortage of physicians despite thousands of medical students graduating annually.

This study aimed to explore the reasons for Egyptian medical students and young physicians wanting to emigrate.

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.

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.

Physicians emigrate to seek better work and financial incentives. A retention policy needs to be developed to prevent Egyptian physicians from emigrating.