Challenges with international medical graduate selection: finding positive attributes predictive of success in family medicine residency

BACKGROUND: Criteria to select residents most likely to succeed, other than proficiency of their medical knowledge, is a challenge facing preceptors. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) play an integral role in mitigating the high demand for family medicine physicians across Canada. Thus, selecting IMG candidates that have a high probability of succeeding in Canadian educational settings is important. The purpose of this study is to elucidate qualitative attributes that positively correspond to success in residency, to ultimately assist in the selection of IMG residents most likely to achieve family medicine residency. METHODS: Interviews of 13 family medicine preceptors from some of the largest IMG training sites in Canada were performed to collect original data. The data was coded in tandem sequences using standardized coding techniques to increase robustness of results. RESULTS: The identified positive predictors of an IMG residents’ success are: presence of a positive attitude, proficient communication skills, high level of clinical knowledge, trainability. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide adequate guidelines to assist in selection of IMG residents. Canada is a unique sociocultural setting where standardized selection methods of IMGs have not been employed. By selecting IMG residents who possess these attributes upon inception of residency, benefits of instruction will be maximized and result in residents developing increased aptitudes for patient care.