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Revista Medica Herediana

Print version ISSN 1018-130XOn-line version ISSN 1729-214X

Abstract

LEON JR, Luis R et al. Perceived quality of life comparison between medical graduates from Peru who migrated and those who stayed in their home country. . Rev Med Hered [online]. 2010, vol.21, n.4, pp.187-196. ISSN 1018-130X.

Objective: To compare the quality of life (QOL) of the graduated from a Peruvian medical school who migrated abroad and those who remained in the country. We also intended to address the level of integration of Peruvian international medical graduates (IMGs) into the United States (US). Material and methods: A combination of two previously validated tools designed to measure QOL of health care practitioners (HCPs) was used to create a survey, including questions that analyzed self-satisfaction (group A), interpersonal/social relationships (Group B) and professional satisfaction (Group C), which was e-mailed to graduates from a Peruvian Medical School. Results: The response rate was 35%. Income levels were significantly lower for HCPs practicing in Peru than those practicing abroad. Very few question items reached statistical significant differences between groups. In group A, IMGs who migrated perceived a significantly higher QOL only in the perception of their future. In group B, was achieved only in the peer support and the conflict level with coworker’s categories. In group C, only in the work feedback, job physical discomfort, expression opportunities, hospital attempts to improve the QOL of their position, necessary training for job performance and work variety categories. However, of 41/44 items showed a better (more satisfied) response from the abroad group, of which 13 achieve statistical significance (8 at the 1% level). IMGs practicing abroad perceived a high acceptance into the foreign profession, society and living community. Significantly most IMGs do not intend to change their current status. Conclusions: Very few significant differences were noted in the perceived QOL of physicians between groups, in spite of a marked income discrepancy. However, there was a clear trend for dissatisfaction in the Peru group on several important items that, without reaching statistical significance, may indicate the adverse effect of Peruvian conditions on physicians’ level of satisfaction in their country. Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm our findings. Migration from Peru as a physician seems favorable in achieving successful adaptation to a new culture. (Rev Med Hered 2010;21:187-196).

Keywords : International medical graduates; quality of life; graduate medical education; brain drain.

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