A qualitative study of the experiences of Syrian physicians in Türkiye: the need to strengthen integration
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Mohammad, Abdulkader
Rayes, Diana
Canbaz, Sevgi
Karabey, Selma
Abbara, Aula
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Introduction: Türkiye has been among the most welcoming for Syrian healthcare workers who
have been forced from their homes due to the protracted conflict in Syria. It provides two main
routes for work in Türkiye: one through formal accreditation processes to work in jobs equivalent
to Turkish doctors and another through retraining as generalists to work in the Migrant Health
Centres which cater to Syrian refugees across Türkiye. The aim of this study is to explore the
experiences of Syrian physicians living or working in Türkiye.
Methods: We used purposive and snowball sampling to identify Syrian physicians who were living
or working in Türkiye at the time of the study. Interviews were conducted remotely in Arabic
between February and August 2021 then transcribed and thematically analysed using a deductive
approach to identify themes and subthemes.
Results: 23 physicians were interviewed; 6 were female. Most resided in Gaziantep (15 of 23). The
main themes are grouped as 1. Bureaucratic and academic challenges 2. Language, culture, and
integration and 3. Personal impacts and future intentions. Many participants spoke of the prolonged
journeys and challenges they faced whichever paths they chose; for many, obtaining ratifications
of their certificates from the Syrian ministries was not possible, limiting their options. Themes
around integration - related to language and culture (both in healthcare and in the community) also
emerged.
Discussion: Though Türkiye has provided the most favourable circumstances for Syrian physicians
in the region, many personal and structural challenges remain; these impede successful career
progress and integration. The interviews were conducted in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since then, economic and political upheavals and natural disasters have affected perceptions
towards Syrian refugees in Türkiye, including for physicians. In early December 2024, the fall of
Syria’s regime will also likely have important impacts on physician intentions for remaining in
Türkiye, return to Syria or migration elsewhere. Further exploration of the impact of such changes
is required to better understand the current experiences and intentions of Syrian physicians in
Türkiye.
have been forced from their homes due to the protracted conflict in Syria. It provides two main
routes for work in Türkiye: one through formal accreditation processes to work in jobs equivalent
to Turkish doctors and another through retraining as generalists to work in the Migrant Health
Centres which cater to Syrian refugees across Türkiye. The aim of this study is to explore the
experiences of Syrian physicians living or working in Türkiye.
Methods: We used purposive and snowball sampling to identify Syrian physicians who were living
or working in Türkiye at the time of the study. Interviews were conducted remotely in Arabic
between February and August 2021 then transcribed and thematically analysed using a deductive
approach to identify themes and subthemes.
Results: 23 physicians were interviewed; 6 were female. Most resided in Gaziantep (15 of 23). The
main themes are grouped as 1. Bureaucratic and academic challenges 2. Language, culture, and
integration and 3. Personal impacts and future intentions. Many participants spoke of the prolonged
journeys and challenges they faced whichever paths they chose; for many, obtaining ratifications
of their certificates from the Syrian ministries was not possible, limiting their options. Themes
around integration - related to language and culture (both in healthcare and in the community) also
emerged.
Discussion: Though Türkiye has provided the most favourable circumstances for Syrian physicians
in the region, many personal and structural challenges remain; these impede successful career
progress and integration. The interviews were conducted in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since then, economic and political upheavals and natural disasters have affected perceptions
towards Syrian refugees in Türkiye, including for physicians. In early December 2024, the fall of
Syria’s regime will also likely have important impacts on physician intentions for remaining in
Türkiye, return to Syria or migration elsewhere. Further exploration of the impact of such changes
is required to better understand the current experiences and intentions of Syrian physicians in
Türkiye.
Date Acceptance
2025-10-08
Citation
Human Resources for Health
ISSN
1478-4491
Publisher
BMC
Journal / Book Title
Human Resources for Health
Copyright Statement
Copyright This paper is embargoed until publication. Once published the Version of Record (VoR) will be available on immediate open access.
License URL
Publication Status
Accepted