The International Program of Psycho-Social Health Research (IPP-SHR) at CQUniversity is evaluating a program set up to help overseas-trained doctors enter the Australian medical workforce.

The research follows on from a pilot study of the Redland Hospital Observer Program, which found that many overseas trained doctors give up their medical careers due to difficulties integrating into the Australian system.

Dr David Henderson

"All participants in the pilot study said the program was life changing for them as it allowed them to follow their chosen career," said NHMRC Senior Research Fellow and IPP-SHR Director, Dr Pam McGrath.

"They talked about the cultural respect they were shown during the program and said that the hands on experience as well as observation was invaluable."

Participants valued being able to participate in ward rounds, seminars and to take part in the activities of patient care. Participants stressed the importance of learning how to engage with the health ‘system' in Australia.

"It has taken some time for the system to realize that even when language and university courses look similar, international graduates have often had quite different education and training, and have often spent a significant amount of time away from the medical practice," said Dr David Henderson, newly-appointed Adjunct Associate Professor with IPP-SHR and chief investigator on the project.

"They therefore require supervised practical experience, as well as theoretical education in order to function satisfactorily in the Australian health system."

"There is an urgent need for research into this area including the strategies that best support the transition of doctors to the Australian medical workforce," he said.

The current IPP-SHR qualitative study involves 40 international medical graduates at Redland Hospital. A report of the study's findings will be sent to the Queensland Health Department.

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For details contact Dr Pam McGrath or A/Prof David Henderson, (07) 3025 3377 or pam_mcgrath@bigpond.com or by website www.ipp-shr.cqu.edu.au