Premium
Challenges of working and living in a new cultural environment: A snapshot of international medical graduates in rural T asmania
Author(s) -
Terry Daniel R.,
Lê Quynh
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
australian journal of rural health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.48
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1440-1584
pISSN - 1038-5282
DOI - 10.1111/ajr.12128
Subject(s) - img , spouse , acculturation , workforce , rural area , state (computer science) , medicine , psychology , immigration , medical education , gerontology , political science , pathology , algorithm , computer science , law , operating system
Objectives To highlight the experiences and challenges of international medical graduates ( IMG s) living and working in rural and remote Tasmania, and how this informs their acculturation and retention in the state. Design This paper reports the findings from the T asmanian IMG questionnaire, which was administered both in hardcopy and online format to all known IMG s within the state. A total of 105 questionnaires were returned, representing a response rate of 30.0%. Results IMG s were from the 30 countries and the majority were under 49 years of age, had migrated in the past 10 years, with over half having worked in the state for less than 2 years. Many IMG s indicated that they were satisfied with their current employment, the medical facilities, the friendliness of their patients and the friendliness of the community where they lived, and would like to stay much longer in T asmania. Conclusions Many IMG s have previously lived and worked in rural areas and are reasonably satisfied with their current employment and lifestyle in Tasmania. However, the following factors play an important part in their views and attitudes: employment satisfaction, access to schools, employment for spouse or partner and access to cultural or religious foods and goods. Nevertheless, beyond employment satisfaction, employment itself, coupled with career pathway and training opportunities, were highlighted as contributory factors for leaving T asmania.