Antonella Macerollo1, Edina T Varga2, Walter Struhal2, Orsolya Györfi2, Xenia Kobeleva2, Johann Sellner2. 1. From the Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders (A.M.), The National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, University College London, UK; the Department of Neuroscience and Sense Organs (A.M.), Aldo Moro University of Bari, Italy; the Department of Neurology (E.T.V., O.G.), AlbertSzent-Györgyi Medical Center, University of Szeged, Hungary; the Department of Neurology (W.S.), General Hospital of the City of Linz, Austria; the Department of Neurology (X.K.), Mures County Emergency Hospital, Targu Mures, Romania; the Department of Neurology (J.S.), Medical School Hannover, Germany; the Department of Neurology (J.S.), Christian-Doppler-Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; and the Department of Neurology (J.S.), Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Germany. antonella.mac@hotmail.it. 2. From the Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders (A.M.), The National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, University College London, UK; the Department of Neuroscience and Sense Organs (A.M.), Aldo Moro University of Bari, Italy; the Department of Neurology (E.T.V., O.G.), AlbertSzent-Györgyi Medical Center, University of Szeged, Hungary; the Department of Neurology (W.S.), General Hospital of the City of Linz, Austria; the Department of Neurology (X.K.), Mures County Emergency Hospital, Targu Mures, Romania; the Department of Neurology (J.S.), Medical School Hannover, Germany; the Department of Neurology (J.S.), Christian-Doppler-Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; and the Department of Neurology (J.S.), Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Germany.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the general interest in and motivation for cross-border mobility among residents and junior neurologists from member states of the European Union and neighboring countries. METHODS: Questionnaire-based paper survey among 118 participants of a neurology course. RESULTS: Ninety-seven (82%) participants returned the survey. Most of them had at one point considered relocating within or to the European Union for postgraduate education (87%) or employment (71%). Common motivations were superior prospects for clinical training (85%), resources at work and academic environment (both 80%), and remuneration (70%). Barely half of the surveyed intended to return to their home country. The attractiveness of Europe as a destination for migration was ranked over other continents. The most common reasons that reduce enthusiasm for relocation were the loss of family connection (55%) and uncertain future prospects (41%), whereas language barriers were less relevant (21%). CONCLUSION: There is keen interest of the upcoming generation of neurologists to relocate within and to the European Union. The motives include regional differences in training and career opportunities as well as economic welfare. Appropriate steps toward the harmonization of educational and career prospects are urgently required to ensure adequate provision of neurology service and patient care throughout Europe.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the general interest in and motivation for cross-border mobility among residents and junior neurologists from member states of the European Union and neighboring countries. METHODS: Questionnaire-based paper survey among 118 participants of a neurology course. RESULTS: Ninety-seven (82%) participants returned the survey. Most of them had at one point considered relocating within or to the European Union for postgraduate education (87%) or employment (71%). Common motivations were superior prospects for clinical training (85%), resources at work and academic environment (both 80%), and remuneration (70%). Barely half of the surveyed intended to return to their home country. The attractiveness of Europe as a destination for migration was ranked over other continents. The most common reasons that reduce enthusiasm for relocation were the loss of family connection (55%) and uncertain future prospects (41%), whereas language barriers were less relevant (21%). CONCLUSION: There is keen interest of the upcoming generation of neurologists to relocate within and to the European Union. The motives include regional differences in training and career opportunities as well as economic welfare. Appropriate steps toward the harmonization of educational and career prospects are urgently required to ensure adequate provision of neurology service and patient care throughout Europe.
Authors: Martin Rakusa; Walter Struhal; Sofia Gak; Surat Tanprawate; Peter Balicza; Ayaz M Khawaja; Logan D Schneider Journal: Neurology Date: 2016-01-26 Impact factor: 9.910