Understanding the Perspectives of Medical Interns on Resignation Decisions: Implications for Post-Graduate Medical workplace

Abstract

Abstract Background Thailand's healthcare system has been expanded through policy changes, improved service planning, and complex care teams, yet the shortage and maldistribution of doctors remain a significant challenge, particularly in rural areas. While several interventions have been implemented to address the issue, little attention has been paid to newly graduated physicians.Objective This study aims to explore the challenges faced by this group during internship programs and how they inform decisions to resign, using data gathered from online surveys launched by the Medical Council of ThailandMethods The analysis of data from a national survey of recently graduated interns in Thailand, approved by the Chanthaburi Research Ethics Committee, was performed using basic descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and Spearman's rho correlation in SPSS Version 28.0.0.0,Results This study surveyed 2,431 recently graduated medical interns (84.8%) from 4 types of undergraduate medical education programs in Thailand, with 3.5% planning to resign, citing reasons such as low income, heavy workload, and poor working environment. Significant correlations were found between categorical and ordinal independent variables, such as undergraduate programs and expected salary, waiting time for scholarships, scholarship location, and interest in pursuing other careers, with the resignation plan of participants.Conclusion In conclusion, this study provides insight into the factors associated with internship resignations among newly graduated doctors in Thailand, highlighting the need for policy changes to address issues related to workload, income, and scholarship opportunities.