Emigration of medical graduates from the Republic of Moldova: causes, risks and solutions

Abstract

Introduction. The shortage of doctors threatens healthcare systems all around the world. The insufficiency of doctors in developed countries like the USA, Canada and the UK and the gradient of working conditions, salary and quality of life between the developing and developed countries represent the driving force for the international migration of medical doctors. This process worsens the already existing shortage of doctors in many developing countries. It is the case of the Republic Moldova. We studied the attitudes of students and graduates from Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy (SMPhU) to emigration. Aim of the study. To evaluate the attitudes of medical students and graduates toward the perspective of starting the medical career at home or to emigrate. Materials and methods. A retrospective study was conducted. We analyzed data from the Computing Center of SUMPh on the results of admission to the residency during 2012-2017. We also surveyed the students of SUMPh from years I, III and VI. Results. The rate of those who continued their studies in the Republic of Moldova is decreasing. In 2017, only 2 out of 3 SUMPh graduates chose to continue their studies in the home country, in comparison with 2016, when only 1 in 5 graduates did not continue the studies home. The rate of medical students who want to emigrate is highest among the 6th year (75%) compared to 1st year students, where only 68% want to emigrate. The main cited reasons for leaving are a higher wages better work conditions, better life conditions and the possibility of professional development. Conclusions. In order to avoid a future doctors’ crisis in the Republic of Moldova specific measures must be implemented to keep the medical graduates working within their home country. The students ask for a guaranteed well-paid job and adequate equipment of the work place.