- Title
- Satisfaction amid professional challenges : international medical graduates in rural Tasmania
- Creator
- Terry, Daniel; Lê, Quynh; Hoang, Hoang
- Date
- 2014
- Type
- Text; Journal article
- Identifier
- http://researchonline.federation.edu.au/vital/access/HandleResolver/1959.17/172984
- Identifier
- vital:14607
- Identifier
-
https://doi.org/10.4066/AMJ.2014.2267
- Identifier
- ISBN:1836-1935 (ISSN)
- Abstract
- Background At the time of recruitment, migration, and placement, international medical graduates (IMGs) encounter professional challenges. These challenges may include a loss of status and professional identity, professional isolation in rural practice, restrictions on medical practice, and social isolation. Understanding the nature of these challenges may facilitate the recruitment, placement, and success of international medical graduates within rural Tasmania. Aims The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences, challenges, and barriers that IMGs encounter as they work and live in rural Tasmania. Methods The study used a mixed-methods design where data were collected using a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews across the south, north, and northwest of Tasmania. IMGs were recruited through purposive snowball and convenience sampling. Results A total of 105 questionnaires were returned (response rate 30.0 per cent) and 23 semi-structured interviews were conducted with IMGs across Tasmania. Questionnaire participants indicated that the majority of IMGs are satisfied in their current employment; however, interview participants indicated there were a number of barriers to practising medicine in Tasmania as well as factors that would influence ongoing employment in the state. Despite these challenges, professional support was recognised as a key contributor to professional satisfaction, particularly among IMGs who had just arrived. Conclusion The study contributes to the current knowledge and understanding of IMGs who live and work in rural areas. The study shows that there are high levels of satisfaction among IMGs with their current position; however, the research also provides insight into the complexities and factors that impact IMGs as they work and live within rural areas such as Tasmania. This study offers an understanding for policy to improve greater retention of IMGs across rural areas. © 2014 Australasion Medical Jaurnal. All rights received.
- Publisher
- Australasian Medical Journal Pty Ltd
- Relation
- Australasian Medical Journal Vol. 7, no. 12 (2014), p. 500-517
- Rights
- Copyright @ Australasian Medical Journal
- Rights
- Open Access
- Rights
- This metadata is freely available under a CCO license
- Subject
- 1103 Clinical Sciences; 1117 Public Health and Health Services; Employment; International medical graduates; Professional challenges; Rural practice; Satisfaction
- Full Text
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