The recession hit primarily the younger generation as was indicated by the share of young people in the unemployment index which amounted to almost 49%. The dramatic increase in youth unemployment and the 'scarring' effects of joblessness generated a large wave of human outflow from the country, mainly among educated and qualified people, scientists and other professionals in foreign countries. It is worth noting that according to the Athens Medical Association, there was a fivefold increase in the number of skilled Greek physicians who migrated abroad in 2012 compared to 2007 (1,166 vs 292 doctors respectively) [3–4]. The overall emigration showed an increasing trend and almost tripled from 2009 to 2013 (43,686 vs 117,094 people respectively) .