Better working conditions (cited by 74 doctors, or 26% of all responders)	‘Better work–life balance. The low morale and apparent dissatisfaction among the consultant staff that was a big motivator to leave. I'm not sure that has changed.’ 2002 graduate, moved in 2005
	‘Better working conditions with longer appointments and protected administration time as we have in NZ.’ 1983 graduate, moved in 2006
	‘More flexible hours. Less demand on GPs to provide early morning/evening surgeries.’ 1999 graduate, moved in 2007
	‘A permanent post, more relaxed working environment. Very unlikely to return.’ 1993 graduate, moved in 2007
Changes to the NHS (66 doctors, 23% of responders)	‘Less Government targets and interference. Better management. Better job satisfaction.’ 1988 graduate, moved in 2004
	‘Less “red tape” and bureaucracy. Less of a political “football”. 1993 graduate, moved in 1994
	‘Less rigidity in terms of training. More support from employers, managers, peers. More opportunities for study/broadening experiences. Any incentives really – I found there were none while working for the NHS.’ 2005 graduate, moved in 2007
	‘A sensible application process based on clinical experience and curriculum vitae rather than “75 words or less” empathy questions. A medical-based hierarchy rather than a managerial one… recognition for the countless hours of overtime that are aggressively ignored by the management/government.’ 2005 graduate, moved in 2007
Administrative changes to make it easier to return/recognition of NZ qualifications (33, 12%)	‘I am currently going through the PMETB bureaucratic process to get on the specialist register in the UK (in case I need to work). It is stressful and a nightmare. I have trained and worked in the UK for many years and have an immaculate training record in NZ. I can't see how this awful process can add any value to the NHS or incentive to return to the UK.’ 1996 graduate, moved in 2002
	‘Easier acceptance of NZ qualifications/experience years for registration with UK GP councils.’ 2000 graduate, moved in 2001
	‘Hassle-free acceptance of my specialty training and GMC registration.’ 1993 graduate, moved in 1995
	‘Acceptance of experience/accreditation/seniority/training obtained from 22 years Consultant [named specialty] practice in NZ (… NOT about to re-sit exams, etc.).’ 1974 graduate, moved in 1988
	‘Would be difficult at present as I am currently in a training scheme here and would have to take a step backwards and would be difficult to get into training in the UK.’ 2000 graduate, moved in 2002
	‘NZ husband able to work more easily without EU regulations.’ 1996 graduate, moved in 1998
Better work incentives and/or financial remuneration (33, 12%)	‘Better pay. Job-sharing opportunities for women including surgical specialties.’ 2005 graduate, moved in 2007
	‘Increased funding for staff and research facilities.’ 1983 graduate, moved in 1999
	‘An interesting job near my family. One that offers a balance of clinical, research and service development in the role. My perception is that this is unlikely given the direction the NHS has been taking and that it will have only been made worse by the financial crisis.’ 1996 graduate, moved in 2008