Challenges for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in Psychiatry in 2023: Top Issues and Solutions-View Presentation

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Video Summary

The session focused on the challenges faced by international medical graduates (IMGs) in psychiatry, with speakers discussing barriers and potential solutions. The APA introduced an IMG track to highlight the importance of supporting and retaining IMGs in the field. Dr. Neha Trinh moderated the panel, sharing her personal connection through her father's experiences as an IMG. Speakers discussed various hurdles IMGs face, such as issues with accreditation, visa challenges, bias, and microaggressions. <br /><br />Dr. Eliyahu, a psychiatrist from New York, shared his journey from Lebanon to the U.S. and emphasized the imposter syndrome prevalent among IMGs, where individuals doubt their skills despite positive feedback. Other speakers highlighted specific challenges for Caribbean-trained doctors, including high costs, limited resources, and stigmatization during the residency match process. <br /><br />Dr. Dora Lindao provided a historical perspective on immigration laws, underscoring the structural biases against non-white immigrants. The discussion included ways to overcome these biases, including the importance of representation and advocacy within medical leadership to create equitable opportunities. <br /><br />An interactive workshop followed, focusing on the ERASE framework, which aims to equip participants with strategies to address and mitigate bias and discrimination incidents in real-time. The session highlighted the importance of proactive responses and allyship in clinical settings to support IMGs facing challenges. The panel concluded with a call for increased representation and equitable treatment of IMGs in the medical field.

Keywords

international medical graduates

psychiatry

IMG challenges

accreditation

visa issues

bias

imposter syndrome

Caribbean-trained doctors

immigration laws

ERASE framework

medical leadership