Abstract:
The purpose of this research was to study relationships between backgrounds, working problems and personal reasons of physicians and their selection of working location. The aim was to find an explanation for the shortage of physicians in the provincial areas. Sampling data were obtained 561 scholarship physicians, 101 of whom are now working in Bangkok, and the other 460 physicians were in the provinces. The questionnaire designed form by the researcher was used to collect the data. The coefficient phi (Ø), the point-biserial correlation coefficient, Arithematic mean, z-test, t-test and content analysis were employed in the analysis of the data. The research conclusions were as follow: 1. The selection of working location was related to such background factors as the place of birth, place of upper primary and lower secondary education, place of medical school and internship. The place of upper secondary education and sex were above their consideration. Physicians who have provincial backgrounds were more likely to work in the provincial areas, in contrast with those who have backgrounds in Bangkok areas. 2. The problems facing physicians working in provincial areas were the lack of knowledge in administration, and conflicts with district government officials. Inadequacy of medicine, medical instruments, and technicians were additional problems. Provincial physicians who later moved to work in Bangkok, had more problems than those who remain working in provincial areas. 3. Personal reasons for selecting to work in Bangkok stem from the fact that academic resources were readily available, and the preference for works in the curative field. Furthemore they have better opportunity of further their study. The reasons were that their parents and spouse lived in Bangkok; they didnt want an administrative post ; and they could earn much money from working over time. 4. Personal reasons for selecting to work in provincial areas were that they would like to make useful contribution to the villages, the preferred living in provincial areas to Bangkok, and they wish to work both in curative and preventive care. 5. Their ideal working places were determined by security factors, the opportunity to take care of the patients, residential welfare, good transportation, adequacy of equipment and medical supply, educational and promotional opportunity. Besides, schooling opportunity should be available for their children.