Impact of Lebanese Physician Repatriation on Medical Graduate Emigration
Author Information
Author(s): Akl Elie A, El-Asmar Khalil, Maroun Nancy, Adib Salim M, Khater-Menassa Beatrice
Primary Institution: University at Buffalo
Hypothesis
The repatriation of Lebanese physicians educated abroad has contributed to the international emigration of recent Lebanese medical graduates.
Conclusion
The high number of physicians educated abroad returning to Lebanon after the end of the civil war may have driven recent Lebanese medical graduates to emigrate.
Supporting Evidence
- Lebanon has a physician emigration factor of 19.3%, the highest in the Middle East and North Africa.
- About 60% of Lebanese medical graduates from 1977 to 2006 were registered in Lebanon as of 2007.
- Physician density in Lebanon increased significantly from 1977 to 2006.
Takeaway
Many doctors from Lebanon who studied abroad came back home after the war, which made it harder for new doctors to find jobs, so they decided to leave Lebanon instead.
Methodology
An observational study analyzing demographic and educational characteristics of physicians registered in Lebanon as of 2007.
Potential Biases
Potential confounding factors such as civil disturbances and the accuracy of registration data.
Limitations
The evidence identified is indirect, and registration may not accurately reflect actual workforce membership.
Participant Demographics
80.4% male, mean age 46.6 years, majority graduated from medical school between 1980 and 1999.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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