Challenges Faced by International Medical Graduates in Canada
Author Information
Author(s): Zulla Rachelle, Baerlocher Mark Otto, Verma Sarita
Primary Institution: University of Toronto
Hypothesis
What challenges do International Medical Graduates (IMGs) face in residency training from the perspectives of both IMGs and Program Directors?
Conclusion
Both IMGs and Program Directors agree that an orientation program is necessary for incoming IMGs prior to starting their residency program.
Supporting Evidence
- 93% of Program Directors believe an orientation program is necessary for IMGs.
- 63% of IMGs believe an orientation program would be beneficial.
- Mean scores for Basic Clinical Skills differed between IMGs and Program Directors.
Takeaway
Doctors who trained in other countries face different challenges when they start working in Canada, and both the doctors and their supervisors think they need help to adjust.
Methodology
Surveys were conducted with IMGs and Program Directors at the University of Toronto to assess challenges faced by IMGs during residency.
Potential Biases
Participants were restricted to pre-selected issues in the survey, which may not capture all relevant challenges.
Limitations
The study is exploratory and the survey instrument has only face validity, limiting the depth of insights.
Participant Demographics
The study involved 118 IMGs and 73 Program Directors at the University of Toronto.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website