Alternative career pathways for international medical graduates towards job market integration: a literature review

Abstract

Objectives:To inform the current level of research about alternative career pathways for international medical graduates and synthesize knowledge of the barriers, facilitators and potential outcomes of alternative career pathways for international medical graduates. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar for relevant publications to February 2020. From 809 articles, after two levels of screening, 23 articles were selected. We conducted thematic content analysis and reported the findings of the study following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Results: All 23 articles reported on alternative careers for international medical graduates in either the United States or Canada. A variety of study methods were noted, including original research, scoping reviews, reports for organizations, and commentaries. Studies incorporated a variety of methods, including surveys, focus groups, interviews, analysis of administrative documents, and program evaluation. Many potential benefits of alternative careers were reported for both international medical graduates and stakeholders. Barriers to pursuing alternative careers included both individual-and systemic-level barriers. Facilitators included skillbuilding workshops, targeted bridging programs, connecting with employers, supporting organizations, and international medical graduates. Conclusions: The scarce literature on alternative career pathways indicates that this research is beneficial for both international medical graduates and their host countries. Initiating capacity building programs for alternative career pathways for international medical graduates might be a worthy investment for host countries, especially in underserved areas. Pilot initiatives incorporating bridging programs for international medical graduates are recommended.

Labor Market Integration of High-Skilled Immigrants in Canada: Employment Patterns of International Medical Graduates in Alternative Jobs

“…It has been reported that IMGs generally seldom considered seeking any career other than becoming a physician [ 7 ], and this usually leads to delay in seeking any other career [ 8 ]. This delay can deprive IMGs of time that may be required to prepare for any new career and obtain any required related work training or experience to allow for success in a decent alternative career [ 9 , 10 ]. Most studies on IMGs only focused on the areas of work [ 11 , 12 ] and experience of the licensed IMGs [ 13 ] and barriers and struggles [ 14 ] to licensing for the unlicensed IMGs.…”

Lost in Transition: The Need for a Strategic Approach to Facilitate Job Market Integration of Internationally Educated Physicians through Alternative Careers

“…However, naturally, because of their physician background, most IEPs’ professional networks are generally limited to those in the physician/physician licensure realm [ 25 ]. Another important challenge is the lack of understanding of potential alternative careers and the transferable skills IEPs can utilize in those jobs [ 26 ]. This lack of knowledge obscures them from identifying an alternative career that suits their skills, aptitude, and individual perspectives (e.g., financial constraints, family responsibilities, etc.…”

Alternative career pathway decision-support job database for international medical graduates in Canada

“…For this professional group, a suitable alternative career could be a job where they can use their health-related knowledge and technical skills. However, there is a lack of understanding, information, and organizational support on ACPs for IMGs [ 8 – 10 ]. Our program of research is built around the objective to identify and facilitate suitable alternative career pathways available for IMGs in Canada.…”