The Application of Digital Platforms in Supporting UK International Medical Graduates

International Conference on eHealth Networking, Application and Services

July 04, 2022 | Webinar

Mina Farag

General Practice, Health Education England (West Midlands), Birmingham, GBR

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: JCSSB

Abstract :

Although international medical graduates (IMGs) constitute considerable percentage of doctors in the National Health Service (NHS), they face several challenges in acclimatizing to the NHS health system. Communication skills, language subtleties, and career progression difficulties are among the most important challenges that overseas doctors face. Some resources are already available to support these doctors and several trusts across the UK have developed local interventions and educational programs to help their doctors bridge the gaps in their knowledge. However, there is no proof of the external validity of these programs and none are identified as effective on a national level. Senior IMGs are leading very popular and inspiring projects using digital platforms, especially social media. We identified several social media pages, groups, and websites subscribed to by hundreds of thousands of doctors in the UK and around the world, including doctors who are planning a future career in the UK. These platforms provide information, resources, support, and answers to questions posed by junior IMGs. Inspired by these projects and also by an Australian project

Biography :

I have worked as a doctor in the UK for the last five years. As an “international medical graduate” (IMG) myself, I have first-hand experience in the challenges IMGs face. I have successfully completed the UK medical foundation programme and I am about to complete my GP training. Throughout my career, I worked, trained, or had experience in nine NHS organizations and in seven different specialties across England and Wales. This experience gave me a clear picture about the heroic efforts of NHS staff and the struggles that most of the doctors go through. I received a lot of help form different digital platforms that help doctors. This inspired me to carry out research into the role of digital platforms in supporting NHS staff and IMG Doctors more specifically.