MIGRATION PATTERNS OF MEDICAL-STUDENTS IN MEXICO

Objective. This work aimed to determine the migration patterns of medi cal students within Mexico. Materials and methods. We obtained the pla ces of origin of graduates and the stares where they registered their medical degrees at the Ministry of Education General Registry of Profe ssions (SEP), between 1970-1974, 1980-1984 and 1885-1989. Data were or ganized as follows: Attracting foci, sending foci, transition foci, an d important migrant flows. Results. The concentration of medical human resource development is reflected by the existence of a few attractin g foci (D.F., Jalisco, Nuevo Leon, and to a less extent, Puebla and Mi choacan). Also, we observed the persistence of traditional sending foc i (Guanajuato, Chiapas, Colima, Campeche). However, some important cha nges occurred throughout the study period namely, a decrease of the mi gratory mobility of university students. During 1970-1974, almost half of them (47%) obtained their degrees outside their place of origin; d uring 1980-1984 this figure decreased to 34% and during 1985-1989, it decreased further to 30.6%. Second, the participation of D.F. as a mai n human resource development center diminished; from 59% to 40% during 1970-1974, it went down, to 30% in the following quinquennia, while i t increased in Jalisco, Michoacan and Nuevo Leon. Conclusions. The est ablishment of medical schools in almost every Mexican state has had a central role in the migration patterns of medical students. Neverthele ss, our results show that there are other reasons accounting for the p ersistence of the concentration of medical human resources development in main cities of the nation such as Guadalajara and Monterrey.