Creating High Speed Connections: Onboarding International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in Virtual and Pandemic Times

Course Overview

Orienting and onboarding residents in pandemic times has generated some unique challenges. Incoming residents may have never visited the program or even been in the U.S. prior to beginning residency. issues around social isolation and assimilation are more pronounced, due to the need for masking, social distancing and a decreased number of social gatherings. Nearly 40% of Internal medicine incoming residents are IMGs who increasingly have limited access to rotations and US experiences, making the transition more difficult. Recent IMG resident suicides have highlighted additional challenges faced by IMGs during training in the US.

The purpose of this workshop is to compare and contrast the challenges faced by IMGs during transition into training, share strategies on facilitating acculturation, and nurture trainees with a special emphasis on wellbeing and success.

Learning Objectives

Identify the special challenges of onboarding IMGs in pandemic times, some with minimal or no US experience along with usual issues with orientation. Review the additional transition challenges, acculturation curve and the emotional/social costs of migration.
Discuss perspectives and insight from IMGs on how programs and institutions can provide opportunities and support transitions. Review specific feedback from IMGs on how best to support the diverse needs of IMGs.
Develop a curriculum focused on acculturation and connect residents to resources that can provide much needed support during training. Discuss specific tools, practices and resources for assistance during transition and beyond.

Speakers

Sapna Patel Kuehl MD, FACP
St. Agnes HealthCare

Catherine E. Apaloo MD, FACP
Piedmont Athens Regional

Additional Information

Year Published: 2022 - AIMW