810 Supporting International Medical Graduates (IMGs) entry to level one paediatric training – a regional experience

Abstract

<h3>Aims</h3> IMGs face multiple professional challenges whilst aiming to settle and adapt into UK training pathways. A projected increase of at least 21% in consultant Paediatrician numbers across the UK and Northern Ireland is needed.¹ According to a 2021 survey almost half of all IMGs surveyed² planned to apply for a Paediatric training posts. Most IMGs – already clinically experienced doctors from their home countries have felt out of their depth navigating a complex new culture and accessing support required to secure a Paediatric training post. <h3>Objectives</h3> To improve the chances of success at interview, we hosted a virtual ST1 interview practice day. The aim was to improve understanding, interview expectations and techniques for IMGs applying for tier one Paediatric training. <h3>Methods</h3> The regional soft-landing KSS representatives both IMG trainees hosted a 2 hour virtual ‘ST1 mock interview’ in February 2022. Invites were sent via established social media networks. The team recruited candidates that had confirmed interview dates as well as a faculty (divided into assessors and moderators) that included a mix of IMG and non-IMG consultants and trainees. After an introduction to the soft-landing team and a talk from a current IMG ST1, the teams were divided into 5 breakout rooEach room consisted of 2 assessors, 1 moderator, 3-4 candidates and 1-2 observers. Written feedback and a debriefing session with the faculty took place afterwards. <h3>Results</h3> 100% of the 30 spaces available were applied for but 22 candidates were available for the session. 5 moderators and 10 assessors were available. Written feedback was received from 81% of candidates and 93.3% of faculty. 100% of the candidates felt that the event helped them to prepare for their interview, 100% found it either useful or very useful with 88.9% feeling a lot more confident about their interviews. 100% of candidates would recommend this to their colleagues. 85.7% of faculty were willing to attend again and 78.5% were willing to continue to support IMGs on future projects like this. There was a strong theme of wanting more time for individual feedback and practice scenarios with a focus on non-clinical stations such as governance and reflective practice. <h3>Conclusion</h3> This project highlights the need to work with the RCPCH Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team to create a platform for bridging the gap between local UK graduates and IMGs and develop a database on ethnicity of successful ST1 applications. Sessions aimed at level 1 IMG training will reduce potential integration problems further down the career ladder reducing differential attainment of IMG paediatricians who come to the UK and fail to progress in line with their UK graduate peers. We aim to continue to offer sessions aimed at communication which continues to align with the Soft Landing© project team ethos of leading a ‘smoother transition to work and train in the NHS for IMG paediatricians’² <h3>References</h3> 2019 RCPCH workforce report Team SL, Mehta R, Audhali N, et al. 1580 IMGs ‘the glue of paediatric rotas’, but who are they? <i>Archives of Disease in Childhood</i> 2021;106:A420-A421.