Migration Trends of Early Career Psychiatrists in Lithuania

Background: Migration contributes to the uneven distribution of the medical workforce within healthcare systems. This study aimed to investigate the migration tendencies of psychiatrists in Lithuania. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between 2019 and 2020 among early career psychiatrists in Lithuania. The questionnaire collected data on sociodemographics, short-term mobility, long-term migration experiences, migration tendencies, and views on attractive job features. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Chi-square tests assessed associations between categorical variables. Results: A total of 75 completed questionnaires were received (52.0% from adult psychiatry trainees; 17.3% from child and adolescent psychiatry trainees, and 30.7% from early career psychiatrists). Over one-third ( n = 26; 34.7%) had lived abroad for a short-mobility period (of 3 months–1 year), for work, education, volunteering, or internships. The majority ( n = 58; 84.1%) have “ever” considered leaving the country they currently live in; almost half ( n = 28; 48.3%) are considering leaving the country “now;” and more than a third ( n = 16; 39.0%) took “practical steps” already towards migration. The main reasons to stay were personal, while financial reasons were the main drivers to leave. A statistically significant association was found between income satisfaction and considering to leave the country ( P < 0.05). The most important features for an attractive job were opportunities to progress professionally, good work-life balance, and pleasant work environment. Conclusions: Many early career psychiatrists in Lithuania had considered emigration, underscoring the need for improvements in salaries and working conditions.