Tips for Medical Doctors Contemplating a Move Abroad

Ah, the freshly cut, proverbial green grass of the other side! The idea of living abroad appeals to many of us doctors, as we dream of working in a refreshingly new environment with more staff, fewer patients and better equipment. However, despite what Instagram and TikTok may tell us, making the move doesn’t always live up to these romantic expectations.

Living abroad can be challenging. Really challenging. For starters, most medical doctors that move abroad experience a shrinkage in their support networks, as they have to say goodbye to loved ones. Whilst video calls and regular check-ins do help with the transition, the physical distance from your closest confidants can be hard. On top of this, you’ll need to possibly learn a new language, acclimatise to the weather and navigate new cultural norms (culture clashes are a real thing!).

On the other hand, living abroad does have an upside. You gain exposure to a broad and varied international network. You also get the opportunity to develop new skills as a result of this exposure, which can be really beneficial for your career. Depending on where you decide to go, you may also gain access to highly efficient and affordable public transportation systems, great infrastructure and a safe work and living environment. Not to mention, seeking employment abroad can lead to an increase in your earnings.

So, to help you determine whether you should stay or go, here are a few tips assist you with the decision making process.

1. Ask the hard questions

It’s always important to do your homework before you move. Research the country online and make an effort to speak to people who live there or have lived there. Ask the hard questions and be prepared for answers that may make you somewhat uncomfortable. Don’t be biased, because only asking the easy questions that validate the decision that you would like to make is not helpful. Even if you can't be swayed in your decision to move, it's always better to be as prepared as possible. Also, try to be as specific as possible with the questions that you ask – if you ask vague questions, you will receive vague and unhelpful answers. Ask about things such as the ease of integration, costs of living, any prejudices directed towards foreigners, safety and the general work and living conditions.

2. Research the overarching organisational culture

Don’t assume that you will seamlessly transition into a new work environment. Remember, a lot of work troubles can stem from a mismatch in compatibility, so it's really important to determine whether you would feel comfortable in the new hospital or institution you would like to join. Consider the five dimensions highlighted by Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions as a starting point: Do they lean towards more bureaucratic, hierarchical structures? Or do they favour a flat organisational structure where all employees have an equal voice? Do they prioritise team success or individual success? Do they have a high tolerance for the unknown, enabling staff to utilise their agency to make decisions? Or do they prioritise low risk-taking behaviours, strict rules and a highly regulated environment? In terms of gender roles, do they support traditional roles or hold more liberal views? Do they have long-term orientations that prioritise planning? Or are they more in favour of agile and flexible plans that emerge as time progresses? Whilst you will not get the answers to these questions from a scan of the institution's website, you may be able to get a greater level of insight from visiting the institution on a scouting trip and requesting an opportunity to meet the team in person (or virtually if face-to-face is not an option) before accepting an official offer. As part of your research, you can also look at the average tenure of staff employed at the institution, on platforms such as LinkedIn. If there is a high turnover rate, this may be due to shorter contracts or may indicate a dysfunctional or toxic work environment. Conversely, an abnormally long tenure trend may indicate that the staff at the institution are opposed to change, which is not necessarily a good thing.

Consider your unique needs and make sure that you find an opportunity that matches what you would require to feel fulfilled. Never make an employment decision based on desperation – it will always come back to bite you.

3. Visit the location with a sense of informed optimism

Whilst research is extremely important and talking to others about their experiences offers a lot of insight, some things you will only know once you’ve actually visited a country yourself. If you have the resources to do so, check out the country before moving. Visiting the area will give you a sense of what you may be getting yourself into. However, don't treat this trip as a holiday! Make sure that you take public transport, come to terms with the “less stellar” parts of town and purchase groceries from a store that you would be likely to frequent. Try to find out about the availability of activities that you enjoy, such as safe running routes, restaurants, places of worship, hiking trails and gyms. If you can book self-catering rental accommodation in the area that you are considering moving to, this would be ideal. You want to simulate the authentic living experience as much as you can so that you can make an informed decision.

4. Determine the logistics of the move

After doing your homework and settling on the country of your choice, find out how you will go about moving there permanently or semi-permanently. Find out if there are entrance exams that you would need to take…language competency-based, skills-based or otherwise. How does one get a visa and which visa would best suit your moving circumstances? Will your driver’s license be valid there? What is the cost of living and what kind of lifestyle will you be able to afford? What are the childcare options and how much do they cost? A good recruitment company will help you navigate all of these considerations.

If you decide to move, don't be overwhelmed by the perceived enormity of your decision. Remember, it's perfectly fine to want to explore your options, as a healthy and happy work (and living!) environment is a human need. Just remember: the nice thing about sunny South Africa is that it’s always going to be here, should you ever change your mind after a move and want to come back home.