An Exploratory Study Of Factors Influencing Pakistani Physicians' Retention And Resettlement Career Decisions

Area of Science:

• Health workforce dynamics
• Physician migration
• International health

Background:

• Global health worker recruitment, retention, and migration are significant issues.
• Existing literature extensively covers 'push factors' for health workers leaving rural areas and developing nations.
• Limited research explores the 'pull factors' influencing health workers who choose to remain in or return to developing countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the perceptions of Pakistani physicians concerning their career decisions.
• To understand the factors influencing their choice to remain in Pakistan or resettle after overseas experience.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study exploring career decisions of Pakistani physicians.
• Telephone interviews conducted with thirteen Pakistani physicians.
• Participants were currently working in Pakistan or had returned after working in Australia.

Main Results:

• Perceived superior quality of life in Pakistan compared to overseas was a key motivator for retention/resettlement.
• Experiences of perceived discrimination ('differentiation between locals and non-locals') abroad influenced decisions.
• Availability of permanent employment in Pakistan emerged as a significant factor.

Conclusions:

• Personal, family, and societal factors were the primary drivers for Pakistani physicians' decisions to stay or return.
• Professional or health system-related factors played a minimal role, with the exception of job security.
• Understanding these 'pull factors' is crucial for retaining skilled health professionals in developing countries.