The effect of perceived victimization on willingness to migrate among Turkish doctors: mediator of job dissatisfaction and moderator of perceived career opportunity

Background: Increasing workload and difficult working conditions among doctors in Turkey may cause professional dissatisfaction and a perception of victimization. The emerging adverse conditions require a more in-depth examination of the factors affecting doctors’ migration tendencies. This study examines the mediating role of job dissatisfaction and the moderating role of perceived career opportunities on the effect of perceived victimization on migration intention among Turkish doctors. Methodology: In the study, the surveys obtained from 453 doctors were included in the analysis. Simple random sampling method was used in this descriptive-relational and cross-sectional study. Results: It was found that doctors’ perception of victimization has a significant and positive effect on their willingness to migrate. Also, job dissatisfaction plays a mediating role in the perception of victimization and willingness to migrate. In addition, it was found that perceived career opportunity has a moderating effect on the relationship between the perception of victimization and willingness to migrate and that perceived career opportunity has a situational mediating role in the mediating role of job dissatisfaction. Conclusion: The research contributes to the literature by examining the relationship between victimisation, career opportunity, and job dissatisfaction that affect the willingness of doctors to migrate. In addition, it provides recommendations on a current issue due to the treatment of physician migration, which is on Turkey’s agenda.Implementing strategies to reduce doctors’ perception of victimization, increase job satisfaction, and enhance career opportunities is critical to reducing their propensity to migrate, and some solutions are suggested for practitioners. © The Author(s) 2025.