Factors Associated with Migration Intentions of Greek Physicians During the COVID-19 Pandemic

<title>Abstract</title> <p>Objective &amp; Methods Physician migration continues to challenge healthcare workforce sustainability in Greece. This study investigated via use of questionnaire tools demographic, occupational, and economic factors associated with migration intentions among physicians practicing in Attica during the COVID-19 pandemic. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of workload, professional satisfaction, economic conditions, and burnout in shaping physicians’ intentions to seek employment abroad. Results A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 342 physicians employed in public and private hospitals in Attica, Greece, between February 2021 and February 2022. The research population included public-sector specialists, resident physicians, and private-sector specialists. Overall, 59% of participants reported intentions to migrate abroad, while migration intentions were particularly common among residents, with 73% considering employment opportunities outside Greece. Nearly all respondents (95%) perceived physician migration as a significant and ongoing phenomenon affecting the Greek healthcare system. The United Kingdom was the most preferred destination country (39%), followed by Germany (14%) and France (10%). Approximately two-thirds of respondents indicated that they would consider returning to Greece if professional and economic conditions improved. Participants reported a mean workload of 62 hours per week, reflecting substantial occupational demands. Professional dissatisfaction, economic dissatisfaction, excessive workload, and burnout were strongly associated with migration intentions. Physicians reporting lower levels of professional satisfaction were more likely to express intentions to seek employment abroad. Job satisfaction demonstrated a significant positive correlation with life satisfaction (ρ = 0.532, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions Migration intentions among Greek physicians remain highly prevalent and are primarily associated with modifiable workplace and economic factors. Policies addressing workload, professional development, burnout, and job satisfaction may contribute to physician retention and workforce sustainability.</p>