The dynamics of temporary migration : the experience of South African doctors working in Ireland

Abstract

International doctor migration is traditionally considered a straightforward ‘drain’ on source countries and advantageous only for destination countries, who essentially obtain labour at low cost. Doctor migration places an additional strain on already fragile health systems in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs) and hampers their ability to provide effective health care. Migration studies in the past have tended to focus on nurses and less is known about the migration of doctors.