Transitioning into the ICU team - The experience of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) during a North American Fellowship Training Program in Critical Care
Final Report Abstract
This qualitative study was designed to explore the transition of international medical graduates (IMGs) into their new professional role as a fellow within the specific setting of the intensive care unit (ICU) team, located in North-America. We were able to show that the specific composition of the ICU team and the processes within the ICU team strongly influence how IMGs can transition into their new role. Unfamiliar professional roles within the ICU team and/or the size of the team itself, for example, pose challenges, sometimes even threats to the professional identity of IMGs and make it more difficult for them to find their new role as a fellow within the team. This has not been described in literature so far. Interestingly, the IMG fellows felt integrated into the ICU quickly, even though they continued to experience threats to their professional identity and role. The complexity and speed of critical care might force them to adapt to their role before they are even able to comprehend what this entails for them. The results of this study will be valuable for medical educators and program directors within the critical care community, who want to support their IMG trainees and colleagues more effectively. The results may serve as a benchmark for program adaptations and improvements. The results could also help to understand the specific experiences of IMGs in the ICU setting and prepare all members of the team for these challenges. As a recognition of the value of this study, the Allan-Spanier Award for Best Education Study was awarded at the CCCF 2018 in Toronto.
Publications
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39th International Symposium of Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine (ISICEM, Brüssel) 2019: How composition and processes of the interdisciplinary team impacts transition of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) into their ICU fellowship. Critical Care 2019, 23(Suppl 2):P425
A Mecklenburg, U Najeeb, L Rose, L Lingard, D Piquette
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The Transition of International Medical Graduate (IMG) Fellows into the ICU Team: Identity Gain or Loss? Can J Anesth (2019) 66 (Suppl 1)
Mecklenburg, A; Najeeb U; Rose L; Lingard L; Piquette D
