Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 1(4), pp. 151 - 165
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2013.010401
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International Medical Graduates: A Cohort Study of Key Informant Perspectives

Daniel R Terry ^*, Quynh Lê
Department of Rural Health, University of Tasmania, Locked Bag 1372, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia

ABSTRACT

An Australian wide shortage of doctors has led to an increased reliance on International Medical Graduate (IMG) recruitment. However, there is very little research regarding the acculturation of IMGs as they reside in the rural Tasmanian context. This paper explores from the perspective of IMG informants, the experiences and challenges of IMGs living and working in rural and remote Tasmania and how it informs the acculturation process. It identifies the barriers facing IMGs as they work and live in Tasmanian communities. It is part of a larger doctoral study looking at IMGs in Tasmania. The study adopted a qualitative research approach. Twenty-three semi-structured interviews were conducted with IMG informants in the North, South and North West of Tasmania. Informants were recruited through purposive snowball sampling. The findings indicate that Tasmanian based IMGs encounter both professional and social challenges. These challenges include vulnerability due to fear of job security, and loss of status, discrimination and communication challenges within the workplace. Additional challenges include spouse employment, obtaining high quality academic access for children, and cultural and religious connectivity. These challenges influence IMGs and their families to stay or relocate. In addition, a number of identified needs have been identified to improve retention of IMGs within Tasmania. The study adds to existing knowledge and identifies three factors which further determine the retention of IMGs. These factors include, job opportunities, vocational training and greater commensurate support provided to IMGs and their families.

KEYWORDS
International Medical Graduates, Rural, Professional Challenges, Social Challenges, Acculturation

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Daniel R Terry , Quynh Lê , "International Medical Graduates: A Cohort Study of Key Informant Perspectives," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 1, No. 4, pp. 151 - 165, 2013. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2013.010401.

(b). APA Format:
Daniel R Terry , Quynh Lê (2013). International Medical Graduates: A Cohort Study of Key Informant Perspectives. Universal Journal of Public Health, 1(4), 151 - 165. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2013.010401.