Factors Influencing Retention of Medical Graduates in the Health System: A Study from The First Collaborative Project to Increase Production of Rural Doctors (CPIRD) in Thailand

Objective: To identify the factors affecting doctor retention in the public health system.Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 426 doctors who graduated from Prapokklao Hospital (1976-2018). Data collected included: (1) Basic information (gender, age, resignation age, service length, medical program); (2) Personal factors (income, work hours, shifts, patient load, education, position); (3) Psychological factors (job satisfaction, pride); (4) External factors (relationships, welfare, culture, risks). Statistical analysis involved t-tests, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression to adjust for biases.Results: Continuing in a residency program significantly increased retention in the public health service (odds ratio=7.14, 95% confidence interval=4.72, 10.81, p-value<0.05).Conclusion: Residency training is a key factor for enhancing doctor retention in the public health system.