• Melroy Rasquinha.
• Department of Cardiac Surgery, Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK.
• Brit J Hosp Med. 2022 Apr 2; 83 (4): 1-7.

Background/AimsMost international medical graduates obtain a non-training job, such as a trust grade role, when they first start work in the UK. This transition into a new healthcare system comes with many sociocultural and educational challenges. The aim of this study was to learn more about the different types of challenges and propose solutions where possible.MethodQualitative data from a cohort of current or previous trust grade international medical graduates were collected at a UK teaching hospital. This was achieved through the use of questionnaires, interviews and obtaining views through a monthly forum meeting.ResultsFindings showed that participants lacked insight into the system and lacked clarity in relation to the role of a supervisor, career pathways, and medicolegal and ethical issues. Discrepancies in study budgets and study leave days, compared to those available to doctors in trainee posts was another issue that was raised. Communication in complex clinical scenarios was also reported to be an issue for many participants. Suggested solutions included a tailored online induction for international medical graduates in trust grade roles and a setting up a buddy system with existing or previous trust grade doctors.ConclusionsThis study highlighted the challenges faced by international medical graduates in trust grade roles and proposed solutions where possible. Although responses varied, educational barriers were the most widely highlighted concern. To understand the full extent of these hurdles, perceptions of other healthcare professionals should be explored.

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