The use of provisionally licensed international medical graduates in Canada.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Audas R
PROVIDER: S-EPMC1283493 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Nov
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
The use of provisionally licensed international medical graduates in Canada.
Audas Rick R Ross Amanda A Vardy David D
CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne 20051101 11
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Project description:With limited residency positions, the majority of international medical graduates living in Canada and other developed countries cannot work as physicians. The educational experience and career development of unmatched international medical graduates (those who are not matched to a residency position) residing in Canada have never been studied. Through an innovative collaboration of provincial international medical graduate organizations, we launched an online survey targeting the career development of unmatched international medical graduates, with 356 survey responses entering data analysis. Respondents reported that at the early career planning stage, close to a third had not had adequate knowledge of their career prospects in Canada. Although official resources are available, most respondents found that the information did not match well with reality. After arriving in Canada, educational resources for unmatched international medical graduates are scarce. The majority of them work in healthcare-related fields but reported significant difficulties finding these positions, and there were limited career training opportunities. Among respondents who were no longer pursuing residency positions and had moved on to alternate career paths, we found, unexpectedly, that 69% of them reported previous residency application experience did not contribute to their current occupation, and most were not satisfied with their current career status and continuing education opportunities. In conclusion, the unmatched international medical graduates could serve as a vital reservoir of skilled medical professionals to serve the community, especially during public health crises. Continuing education and career support of unmatched international medical graduates are crucial for their career development and should be an area of priority for policymakers. Career support, especially for alternative career paths, can be built on the current services that exist in most provinces in Canada. In addition, novel online and social media tools can be utilized to increase the outreach of these programs.
| S-EPMC9885407 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesCanadian regulations have made it challenging for the international medical graduates (IMGs) to get jobs in their original profession as physicians. Consequently, alternative careers are gaining interest among IMGs to avoid underemployment or unemployment. We conducted research to identify the factors that IMGs consider for taking up an alternative career in Canada. Based on those understandings, we aimed to create a database where information about health-related alternative jobs is presented in a searchable way, which can aid IMGs' strategic job search.Data descriptionWe first determined job searching preferences and constraints for IMGs regarding alternative career through focus groups. We used their preferred and constraining factors for collecting job-specific information through systematically reviewing job advertisements. Using this information, we created a database that contains available alternative career pathways for IMGs living in Canada. In total, we have identified 1374 job titles under 192 unique job categories comprising 47 National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes that could be suitable for IMGs seeking an alternative career based on their own short, intermediate, and long-term career goals. We expect that this database will help IMGs in deciding on alternative careers.
| S-EPMC9617379 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionSocial connections in the host country improve International Medical Graduates' (IMGs') well-being, intercultural competence and performance at work but is an issue that has been largely overlooked in the academic literature and policy discussions. The aim of this study was to better understand the social connections that IMGs form by exploring this phenomenon in a UK context.MethodsIMGs and UK Medical Graduates (UKMGs) practising in Scotland were invited to participate. This was a qualitative study using online semi-structured interviews for data collection and reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsForty-one participants were recruited (24 IMGs and 17 UKMGs), selected with maximum variation in terms of gender, ethnicity, speciality, grade and country of primary medical qualification. Twenty-one (58%) of the participants had experience working in other parts of the UK. Five themes were identified: (i) overcoming early isolation, IMGs strove to overcome their initial social isolation which harmed their mental well-being; (ii) where connections are made, IMGs form social connections mainly at work and within their religious communities; (iii) seeds of segregation, some IMGs found themselves outside tight UK native friendship groups. Alcohol was a socially exclusive activity for some IMGs, as were other host country cultural norms. Exclusion led IMGs to form social connections with other IMGs or other 'outsider' groups; (iv) degrees of Discrimination, discrimination and racism were experienced by some IMGs. Discrimination was individual, structural and institutional, and (v) "Open (ing) the door", participants described interventions at organisational, departmental, and individual levels to improve IMGs' ability to form social connections.DiscussionThis study highlighted the challenges that IMGs face when trying to form social connections. More emphasis needs to be placed on promoting an environment where social connections, in particular between IMGs and host country natives, can flourish.
| S-EPMC11789848 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background: International medical graduates (IMGs) in Canada are individuals who received their medical education and training outside Canada. They undergo a complex licensing procedure in their host country and compete for limited opportunities available to become practicing physicians. Many of them cannot succeed or do not have the resources or interest to undergo this complex and unpredictable career pathway and seek alternative career options. In this study, we aimed to understand how IMGs integrate into the alternative job market, their demographic characteristics, and the types of jobs they undertake after moving to Canada. Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional, online, nationwide, and open survey was conducted among IMGs in Canada. In addition to demographic information, the questionnaire included information on employment status, types of jobs, professional experience, and level of medical education and practice (e.g., specialties, subspecialties, etc.). We conducted a survey of 1740 IMGs in total; however, we excluded responses from those IMGs who are currently working in a clinical setting, thus limiting the number of responses to 1497. Results: Of the respondents, 43.19% were employed and 56.81% were unemployed. Employed participants were more likely to be older males, have stayed longer in Canada, and had more senior-level job experience before moving to Canada. We also observed that the more years that had passed after graduation, the higher the likelihood of being employed. The majority of the IMGs were employed in health-related nonregulated jobs (50.45%). The results were consistent across other demographic characteristics, including different provinces, countries of origin, gender, time since graduation, and length of stay in Canada. Conclusions: This study found that certain groups of IMGs, such as young females, recent immigrants, recent graduates, and less experienced IMGs had a higher likelihood of being unemployed. These findings will inform policymakers, immigrant and professional service organizations, and researchers working for human resources and professional integration of skilled migrants to develop programs and improve policies to facilitate the employment of IMGs through alternative careers.
| S-EPMC9498913 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The National Health Service (NHS) was created 70 years ago to provide universal healthcare to the UK, and over the years it has relied upon international medical graduates (IMGs) to be able to meet its needs. Despite the benefits these professionals bring to the NHS, they often face barriers that hinder their well-being and performance. In this editorial, we discuss some of the most common challenges and the adverse effects these have on IMGs' lives and careers. However, we also propose practical measures to improve IMGs' experiences of working in psychiatry.
| S-EPMC8477154 | biostudies-literature
Project description:International medical graduates (IMGs) are physicians who did not attend medical school in the USA or Canada. IMGs comprise nearly one-quarter of the physician workforce and play a vital role in health care. Here, we aimed to identify the prevalence of IMGs in integrated programs and evaluate factors that influence their success in the residency match.MethodsThe annual match reports from 2010 to 2020 were retrieved and summarized. Electronic surveys for program directors and program coordinators were distributed to US integrated plastic surgery programs. Each program's website was appraised for information regarding the eligibility of IMGs. Websites were also used to identify the number of IMG residents.ResultsThe number of applicants who matched into integrated programs ranged from 69 to 180 per year, of which US applicants comprised 61-165. US IMGs filled one to three positions per year, whereas non-US IMGs filled two to seven. Although 48% of programs have matched non-citizen IMGs and 79% have not encountered difficulties during the visa process, 67% of coordinators reported that the onboarding process is more challenging for IMGs. There are no IMGs in 52% of programs, and most institutions offer information on their website regarding visa sponsorship.ConclusionIMGs make up less than 10% of filled positions per cycle. Although most programs accept IMGs, a small number matriculate. This may be explained by the competitiveness of integrated programs and the volume of IMG applications. Further research is needed to identify contributing factors of low IMG representation in plastic surgery programs.
| S-EPMC10419534 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionIncreasingly medical students pursue medical education abroad. Graduates from International Medical Programs (IMPs) practice globally, yet how to prepare students for an unknown international environment is complex. Following IMP graduates throughout their early careers, this study offers insights into gaps in current undergraduate education.MethodsIn this international, longitudinal, mixed-methods study, 188 graduates from seven IMPs completed baseline surveys on career choice and job preparedness. Forty-two participants completed follow-up until three years after graduation. Nine graduates participated in semi-structured interviews on individual experiences and the evolution of their perspectives. The multiphase, sequential design allowed data collected at baseline to inform further data collection instruments.ResultsTwo typical student profiles emerged. The first depicts a student who, despite the challenges of studying abroad, pursues a medical degree 'anyhow', with a common aim of practicing in their home country. The other deliberately selects an IMP while envisaging an international career. Two years after graduation, the majority (> 70%) of our participants were practicing in a country other than their country of training. They reported challenges around licensing, the job application process and health system familiarization. Participants' experiences point towards potential curriculum adaptations to facilitate cross-border transitions, including career guidance, networking and entrance exam preparation.DiscussionIMP graduates lack support in practical aspects of career orientation and international exposure. Most IMPs essentially prepare their graduates for a career elsewhere. Gaps and challenges that IMP graduates experience in this cross-border career transition entail a responsibility for preparation and guidance that is currently lacking in IMP curricula.
| S-EPMC9582102 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ContextMany health services and systems rely on the contribution of international medical graduates (IMGs) to the workforce. However, concern has grown around their regulation and professional practice. There is a need, in the absence of strong evidence and a robust theoretical base, for a deeper understanding of the efficacy of interventions used to support IMGs' transition to their host countries. This study seeks to explore and synthesise evidence relating to interventions developed for IMGs. It aims to provide educators and policy makers with an understanding of how interventions should be developed to support IMGs in their transition to the workplace, particularly looking to identify how and why they are effective.MethodsThe realist synthesis involved an initial systematic search of the literature for the period January 1990 to April 2015. Secondary searches were conducted throughout the review in order to inform and test the developing programme theory. The context, mechanism and outcome data were extracted from all sources meeting the inclusion criteria. Fourteen case studies were included to further aid theory refinement.ResultsSixty-two articles were identified, describing diverse interventions of varying intensity. A further 26 articles were identified through a secondary search. The findings illustrate that, alongside a developed programme, ongoing support and cultural awareness at organisational and training levels are crucial. Individual differences must also be taken into consideration. This will ensure that IMGs engage in transformative learning, increase their levels of self-efficacy and cultural health capital, and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. These factors will have an impact on work, interactions and cultural adjustment.ConclusionsOrganisational, training and individual contexts all play a role in IMGs' adjustment during the transition process. Establishing ongoing support is critical. A list of recommendations for implementation is given.
| S-EPMC5113661 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BACKGROUND: International medical graduates (IMGs) have been a valuable resource for the United States physician workforce, and their contribution to the United States workforce is likely to increase. OBJECTIVE: To describe the historical trends and compare the characteristics of IMGs to United States medical graduates (USMGs) in the United States. DESIGN: Longitudinal analysis of the American Medical Association Physicians' Professional Data (AMA-PPD) database using the 1978-2004 files and a comparative analysis of the characteristics of a random sample of 1,000 IMGs and a random sample of 1,000 USMGs using the 2004 file. MEASUREMENTS: Historical trends and characteristics of IMGs in the United States. RESULTS: Over the last 26 years, the number of IMGs in the United States grew by 4,873 per year reaching a total of 215,576 in 2004, about 2.4 times its size in 1978. The proportion of IMGs increased 0.12% per year, from 22.2% in 1978 to 25.6% in 2004. In 2004, compared with USMGs, IMGs were older, less likely to be board certified [Odds ratio (OR), 0.68; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.86], less likely to work in group practice (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.37 to 0.98), more likely to have Internal Medicine as practice specialty (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.62 to 2.71) and more likely to be residents (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.07 to 2.16). CONCLUSIONS: Over the last quarter century, the IMGs provided a significant and steady supply for the United States physician workforce that continues to grow. Policymakers should consider the consequences for both the United States and source countries.
| S-EPMC1824721 | biostudies-other
Project description:IntroductionNon-US international medical graduates (IMG) represent a gradually increasing portion of emergency medicine (EM) residents in the United States. Yet there are no previous studies that explore the needs of this learner population. We conducted a qualitative study to examine non-US IMGs' perceptions of challenges they face specifically regarding team dynamics during their first year of an EM residency.MethodNine non-US IMGs in EM from all over the US participated in anonymous, semi-structured phone interviews lasting 45-60 minutes. We then coded and analyzed the interviews to identify axes and themes using an inductive approach informed by grounded theory. Focused coding and member checking were employed.ResultsNon-US IMGs' perceptions of challenges regarding team dynamics during their first year of an EM residency coalesced into two themes: system-based challenges, such as a new power dynamic and understanding the local hospital system, and interpersonal challenges, such as establishing rapport and articulation of critical thinking.ConclusionNon-US IMGs perceived several unique challenges regarding team dynamics during their first year of an EM residency, whether system-based or interpersonal-based. We propose solutions such as a transitional curriculum (as suggested by the participants as well) and cultural-competence training for academic leadership.
| S-EPMC9897247 | biostudies-literature