NHSE Regional International Medical Graduates Conference for Yorkshire and Humber School of Psychiatry

TL;DR

A conference for international medical graduates in the UK aimed to improve their integration into the healthcare system through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Contribution

The conference provided a platform for IMGs to navigate UK healthcare challenges and improve professional development through targeted discussions and feedback.

Findings

89% of attendees were international medical graduates, with high satisfaction and interest in annual events.

Participants showed confidence in cultural and language topics but less so in patient safety and GMC processes.

Face-to-face conferences were strongly preferred over hybrid formats.

Abstract

Aims: International Medical Graduates (IMGs) represent over 30% of the NHS workforce. They play a vital role in addressing healthcare shortages and enhancing cultural diversity. They are a significantly mixed group in terms of their experience, skills and overall development. Due to differing systems, IMGs often require additional support. The right support ensures that they achieve their professional goals, highlighting the need for targeted conferences.

The conference aimed to facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange between trainers and trainees, fostering mutual understanding. It also supported IMGs by providing insights into navigating the UK healthcare system while addressing their challenges through data discussion.

Methods: The “Untying the Knots” conference, held from 09:00 to 16:30, registered approximately 100 doctors and featured a poster competition. It included 21 speakers covering diverse topics, focusing on Language, Culture and the Clinical Encounter. International speakers shared insights on training in India and Nigeria, while sessions addressed IMG challenges and personal journeys. Pre- and post-workshop surveys evaluated effectiveness and informed future planning.

Results: 89% of those who attended were IMGs, with only 7% being trainers. Majority of the attendees were core trainees or Trust staff grades (28% each). There were participants from all 7 Trusts in the region and one Trust outside the region. Most achieved their primary degree in India, followed by Pakistan, then Nigeria. Most seemed to have a good confidence level (Predominantly or very confident) on topics relating to differential attainment, language/culture, portfolio management and compassionate leadership and less confident (slightly or fairly confident) about issues relating to the impact of patient safety incidents, navigating GMC referrals/SUIs and CESR pathway. The feedback was that people enjoyed the conference and 90% would attend again with 66% wanting it as a yearly event. 96% felt the conference was well organised with the presentations and networking being the most attractive components. 86% would prefer a face-to-face conference in the future and 10% a hybrid event.

Conclusion: Overall, the feedback was highly positive, with most attendees expressing interest in future events and suggesting it be held annually. The organisation, presentations, and networking opportunities were particularly well-received, with a strong preference for face-to-face events moving forward. These findings will help shape future conferences to better meet the needs of international medical graduates.

Upcoming conferences will implement feedback, explore topics of interest further like supporting the CESR pathway, and facilitating discussions on GMC referrals and Serious Untoward Incidents (SUIs).