How can training programs better serve the needs of international medical graduates (IMGs)?

International medical graduates (IMGs) make up nearly one fourth of the trainee work-force across medical specialties. Moving from one country to another, dealing with the nuances of a foreign language and the culture shock of working in the United States often leaves many IMGs feeling isolated and disengaged. How can training programs support the unique needs of our IMG colleagues? I speak to Dr.Souparno Mitra, a PGY2 in New York City, about his experience of immigrating to the United States for residency training. Dr.Mitra shares his challenges, triumphs and what he hopes to see programs do to support the unique needs of IMGs during such a transformative time in their lives. 

In this episode, we discuss the following: 

• What are the processes IMGs go through in order to work as residents and fellows in the United States?
• What are some predictable adjustments all IMGs can expect to make once they start training?
• What are the implications of the culture shock many IMGs experience?
• Which demographic areas are best suited to support the needs of IMGs?
• What are some tangible steps that all programs to take to support the needs of a trainee who recently immigrated from another nation?