Determining the Reasons for Going Abroad of Physicians Working in Araştırma Turkey and Immigrating from Turkey: A Qualitative Study

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Süner A. F., Bilgin A. C., Varol Z. S., Şimşek Keskin H.

STED/Sürekli Tıp Eğitimi Dergisi, cilt.35, sa.1, ss.1-15, 2026 (TRDizin)

Özet

Abstract Objective: This study aims to investigate the key factors influencing physician migration from Turkey. Method: The study is designed as qualitative research with a phenomenological approach. Semi-structured interview forms were used in all interviews. The interviews were conducted between June 2022 and June 2023 and lasted an average of 60 minutes. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with intern physicians were conducted face-to-face, while interviews with physicians living abroad were conducted online. The interviews were first coded with open codes for description. Then, open codes were classified, and associated, and themes were determined. The reliability of the study was ensured by triangulation. Results: Among the push factors, the most frequently mentioned theme was the working conditions of physicians. This was followed by issues within the healthcare system, the country's overall situation, field experience, and suggestions. Regarding the pull factors, the most common theme was the advantages of working conditions. This was followed by the convenience of social life, economic benefits, and the availability of time for personal activities. Conclusion: This study examined the factors driving physicians to migrate abroad, with negative working conditions emerging as the most prominent reason. The advantage of better working conditions was the most significant pull factor. Factors such as heavy workload, low salaries, violence against healthcare professionals, and job insecurity in Turkey have led migration to be seen as an escape route for physicians. Economic difficulties, uncertainty about the country’s future, and lack of meritocracy further increase migration intentions. Keywords: physicians; immigration; health education