Medical migration and Africa: an unwanted legacy of educational change

Abstract

The opportunities given for medical staff to travel, work and remain in countries other than that of their domicile or graduation have led to the phenomenon of medical migration. This has been supported by ease of travel, improved technology and a drive to share good examples of medical education through improved communication.

Whilst these opportunities create positive advantages to the individuals and countries involved, through the transfer of knowledge and medical management, the situation does not always lead to long term benefits, and clear disadvantages begin to emerge. The gulf between the developed and developing countries becomes pronounced, leading to a general drift of resources away from the areas where they are most needed and subsequent profound effects upon the indigenous population.

This paper suggests that it is a responsibility of medical educators throughout the world to recognize this effect and create opportunities whereby the specialty of medical education positively effects medical migration to the benefit of the less fortunate areas of the world.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Peter Bundred

DR PETER BUNDRED is Reader in Primary Care at the University of Liverpool, UK. With a strong Primary Care and Public Health interest, he respects an International reputation in medical migration and health care policy.

Trevor Gibbs

PROF TREVOR GIBBS was former Prof. of Medical Practice & Education at the Bute Medical School, University of St Andrews, Scotland. He previously held the Chair of Health Sciences Education at the University of Cape Town. His work through the Association of Medical Education in Europe provides a strong international perspective to medical education. He is presently the Visiting Professor in Medical Education to Gifu University School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan.