Dr. Bosu Seo, CPD (Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba); Dr. Jose Francois, CPD (Associate Dean, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba); Ms. Sukhoe Choe, HRD (University of Minnesota, USA)
Synopsis
We are currently undertaking qualitative interviews of International Medical Graduates (IMGs), who participated in the IMG mentorship and clinical assessment program provided by the University of Manitoba. We aim to learn about their experience, including benefits and drawbacks of the program, and then evaluate the program for a future revision.
Background
Mentoring plays an important role in enhancing physicians’ personal and professional development and career advancement. Although mentoring in academic medicine and medical students have been summarized in numerous places, mentoring for practicing physicians, particularly International Medical Graduates (IMGs), who are consistent and growing sources to address shortages in physician supply in Manitoba and Canada, is presently poorly documented and less emphasized.
Methods
The primary method of data collection for this study is semi-structured open-ended interviews and qualitative analysis using NVivo 9 will be followed. We have invited a theoretical sampling of physicians who participated the IMG Mentorship & Clinical Enhancement Program at the University of Manitoba between 2007 and 2011. Physicians include both mentor and mentee physician to hear their narratives separately. We will follow a constant comparative technique through which we will analyze our data as they will be gathered, reflect on how our questions enable us to meet our objectives, and make adjustments to our interview guide as needed. We will continue sampling until no new categories are identifiable and we reach categorical saturation.
Results and Plan
This study aims to answer the following questions:
- To what extent did the mentoring experience benefit the participants?
- What are the constraints faced by the participants?
- What issues/strategies should be considered to improve and sustain the mentorship program?
We are currently collecting interviews. Findings and preliminary results from separate code analysis for both mentors and mentees will be presented at the conference.
