A Scientific Study on the Effect of the Syrian crisis on Medical Specialty Choice and the Decision to Work Inside or Outside Syria

 Studying the factors influencing the choice of medical specialty and immigration decisions is important to ensure the sustainability of healthcare systems in Syria. Crises and wars are among the most important of these factors, especially since the war continued in Syria for a long period and was followed by an economic crisis that greatly affected the motives of migration.

In this context, a research team from the Faculty of Medicine at Damascus University conducted a cross-sectional study based on collecting data from residents of various specialties, in university hospitals: Al-Assad, Al-Mouwasat, Children’s Hospital, Al-Biruni, Dermatology Hospital, and Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital.

During the study, the sample was divided into two groups: the first includes residents of the first, second, and third years, who chose their medical specialty after the end of the war on Syria, and the second includes residents of the fourth, fifth, and sixth years, who chose their medical specialty during the war.

The study showed that the number of those wishing to continue working in Syria was 30%, while the number of those wishing to work outside Syria was 43.5%.

The research team found a significant difference between the chosen specialty in group 1 and group 2, as the number of residents specializing in hematology, pulmonology, rheumatology, ophthalmology, and plastic surgery was lower in group 1 compared to group 2, while there was a significant increase in the number of residents specializing in radiology in group 1.

The results of the study reflect the impact of the crisis on the priorities of resident doctors and thus the process of choosing a specialty: group 1 considered social life and length of residency to be more important. The first group also showed a greater focus on choosing a specialty that facilitates travel.

The results of the study imply that there is an urgent need to support and retain medical professionals in Syria, and potential interventions in this direction include improving working conditions, providing incentives, enhancing training and mentoring, and facilitating access to resources and equipment.

The findings suggest an opportunity for cooperation and exchange between Syrian medical professionals and their counterparts in other countries who face similar concerns and challenges.