Challenges of working and living in a new cultural environment: A snapshot of international medical graduates in rural Tasmania

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To highlight the experiences and challenges of international medical graduates (IMGs) living and working in rural and remote Tasmania, and how this informs their acculturation and retention in the state. DESIGN: This paper reports the findings from the Tasmanian IMG questionnaire, which was administered both in hardcopy and online format to all known IMGs within the state. A total of 105 questionnaires were returned, representing a response rate of 30.0%. RESULTS: IMGs were from the 30 countries and the majority were under 49 years of age, had migrated in the past 10 years, with over half having worked in the state for less than 2 years. Many IMGs indicated that they were satisfied with their current employment, the medical facilities, the friendliness of their patients and the friendliness of the community where they lived, and would like to stay much longer in Tasmania. CONCLUSIONS: Many IMGs have previously lived and worked in rural areas and are reasonably satisfied with their current employment and lifestyle in Tasmania. However, the following factors play an important part in their views and attitudes: employment satisfaction, access to schools, employment for spouse or partner and access to cultural or religious foods and goods. Nevertheless, beyond employment satisfaction, employment itself, coupled with career pathway and training opportunities, were highlighted as contributory factors for leaving Tasmania.