[Emigrate or not? How would the next Spanish generation of physicians decide? A study on emigration-related reasons and motivations of advanced medical students in 11 Universities in Spain].
OBJECTIVE
To explore intentions, motivations and country preferences related with professional emigration in a sample of advanced medical students.


METHODS
Cross sectional and descriptive study.


METHODS
11 Universities in Spain.


METHODS
A total of 740 students in their two final courses.


METHODS
The survey used a self administered questionnaire asking about plans to emigrate, preferred destination countries and reasons for wishing to work abroad.


RESULTS
A total of 740 valid questionnaires were collected, 711 (96%) from Spanish students and 26 (4%) from foreigner students. A preference to move abroad was indicated by 375 (51%) students, the most popular destinations being United Kingdom, USA, Canada and Portugal. The answers were classified using categories from "very important" to "not important". As a "very important" reason, "To work in a better health care system" was chosen by 276 students, "To continue with my medical education and training" by 160, "To work in an environment that allows me to progress" by 269, and "To earn a better salary" by 243 students.


CONCLUSIONS
The study illustrates various motivational factors which of why medical students wish to move abroad in search of better professional conditions. The use of appropriate interventions could modify these attitudes. This study could be a starting point for exploring and analyzing the conditions of undergraduate medical students in Spain as a key to address the problem of medical emigration.
Bernardini-Zambrini
Diego
D
Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Salamanca, España. diegobernardini@usal.es
Barengo
Noel
N
Bardach
Ariel
A
Hanna
Mina
M
Núñez
Juan Macias
JM
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013030:Spain; D013337:Students, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires