Physician emigration is escalating in developing countries. In Nigeria, this massive brain drain has gained the popular moniker ‘Japa syndrome’. This survey used a cross-sectional design to determined the factors causing physicians’ brain-drain from Nigeria. A convenience and snowball sampling were used, and 295/400 attendees of a cardiovascular symposium responded to comprehensive self-administered questionnaires (73.7% response rate). Most participants (79.4%) were aged 20-39 years (Mean 35 years SD ±10.17); female (58.6%); married (58.4%) and a family size below six (73.6%). About 85.8% were employed, and 55.9% worked in private establishments. The top three attractive destinations were UK (50.5%), Canada (43.3%), and USA (37.9%). The most frequent push factors found were low remuneration (71.2%), insecurity (62.7%), and difficult working environments (55.9%). Postgraduate-training frustrations (38.6%), and limited educational opportunities for oneself (37.6%), children (26.4%), or spouse (19.7%) were the least. High earning potential (76.6%), career growth opportunities (70.8%), and high-level equipment/technology (54.9%) were the most frequent pull factors. This practice threatens Nigeria's health system and should be addressed multi-sectorally. To reverse this ugly trend, we have to boost physicians’ remuneration, improve work environments and security. Providing innovative education and digital technology would also promote physicians’ retention.