Reconstructing a Professional Identity: Impact of Cultural Capital on the Training of International Medical Graduates

• In Event: Restorative Identity Formation in Professions Education

Abstract

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) play a critical role in addressing the physician shortage in the United States (US). They however face the challenge of developing a professional identity in a new and unfamiliar culture. In this qualitative study, we sought to describe how IMGs reconstruct their professional identities, and the impact of their immigrant identities on this process.

15 residents were recruited and interviewed. Results revealed their professional identities being shaped in both their native countries and US. Diverse personal identities could be an asset when caring for patients, but also a source of conflict. Notably, IMGs from Western countries reported facing less challenges. These findings highlight the role of nativism and racism in maintaining hierarchies within the IMG workforce.

Authors

• Vinayak Jain, University of Oklahoma

• Victor Cox, Georgetown University

• Mohamad Elsouri, Georgetown University

• Ming-Jung Ho, Georgetown University