Alternative career pathways for international medical graduates towards job market integration: a literature review

Introduction

In this era of global migration, developed countries admit a substantial number of new immigrants every year through their immigration and refugee policies.¹ These immigrant or newcomer populations come from a number of ethno-geographic backgrounds and exhibit differences in their socio-cultural and life practices that influence their settlement needs, including social care, education, health, and access to the labour market.^2-4 Internationally trained medical professionals, also known as international medical graduates (IMGs)⁵ are a highly skilled but struggling segment of the immigrant population. IMGs are graduates of medical schools located outside the country where they intend to integrate professionally.^6,7 They are also referred to as foreign medical graduates (FMGs), overseas trained graduates (OTGs), internationally trained physicians (ITPs), or internationally educated physicians (IEPs).⁷

The natural career course of these skilled professionals is to become a practicing physician; however, according to a Canadian report, as few as 6% of them will succeed in becoming a licenced physician.⁸ This extremely low rate of success is mostly attributable to systemic barriers, including the limited number of residency spots (a requirement for licencing) and discrimination against IMGs, as well as individual barriers such as socio-cultural and linguistic differences.^5,9 Failing to integrate professionally as a practicing physician, many IMGs waste their skills by performing survival jobs¹⁰ completely unrelated to their educational background. In doing so, these highly skilled immigrant health professionals have become a symbol of the deskilling of highly skilled migrants in Canada.¹¹

Against this backdrop, alternative careers, those jobs where IMGs' health-related knowledge, skills, and experience can be used, have emerged as a way to facilitate better professional integration for IMGs.¹² However, during our preliminary exploration of the literature, we noticed the scarcity of literature in this area. Further, limited information is available regarding the potential outcomes of alternative career pathways (ACPs) for IMGs, the challenges they face, and how to facilitate their pursuit of alternative career options. Moreover, studies indicate there is a lack of awareness among IMGs and other stakeholders, such as potential employers of alternative jobs, the health- and wellness-related medical education sector, the immigrant-serving public, and private and non-profit bodies regarding alternative careers as a potential pathway to the professional integration of IMGs into the Canadian labor market.¹²

Through this rapid scoping review, we plan to explore the current level of international research regarding ACPs for IMGs and to synthesize the knowledge of the barriers and facilitators and potential outcomes of pursuing ACPs for IMGs. This understanding will help us determine and undertake the next steps in working on this important but overlooked issue.

Methods

Rapid review

In general, a rapid review is a form of review that synthesizes knowledge within a brief period, in which stages of a full-blown traditional review, such as a systematic scoping review, are simplified/fast-tracked and/or skipped to generate a quick outcome.¹³ A rapid review approach is usually selected for new or emerging research topics and updates of previous reviews and to quickly generate an outline of the evidence-based knowledge of a policy or practice for decision-makers. As professional integration of IMGs through ACPs is a relatively new and emerging topic of interest, and a quick overview of the relevant knowledge in the literature may help direct appropriate next steps, we adopted a rapid scoping review approach for this study.

Unlike standard systematic or scoping reviews, there is no established framework to follow in conducting a rapid review. Many studies have followed their own strategies or modified or adapted various proposed frameworks to meet their specific research goals.^14,15 We conducted our rapid review by following a simplified framework for scoping reviews as employed by few other studies.^14-16 All the stages of the scoping review were followed but a limited number of databases were used. As a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework has not been developed for rapid scoping reviews, we followed the PRISMA-Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist and guidelines (please see Appendix 1).¹⁷

Stage 1: Identifying the research question

Identifying a clear and appropriate research question that limits the focus on the literature within a specific area of interest without excluding possible outcome variables is the first step of a scoping review. For this rapid scoping review, we identified the following research questions:

1.      What research has been undertaken regarding the professional integration of IMGs through ACPs?

2.      What are the benefits to IMGs and stakeholders of integrating into ACPs?

3.      What are the barriers and facilitators faced by IMGs when opting to pursue ACPs?

Stage 2: Identifying relevant studies

Published literature

As a limited number of databases are used to extract information for a rapid review, the databases need to be most representative of the topic of the research question and field.¹⁴ After thorough consideration and discussion among the members of the research team, the three most appropriate academic databases were selected for this review. As the subject of IMGs is primarily related to healthcare, we selected MEDLINE (Ovid) and EMBASE. However, as professional integration often involves multiple disciplines, including social sciences, migration, human geography, and education, we included Scopus to capture those particular aspects of IMGs' integration to ACPs. We developed the search terms, and these terms were further reviewed and validated by an experienced librarian. A complete list of search terms is provided in Table 1. In addition, we also conducted single citation searches and used a pearl growing approach or citation mining by reviewing the reference lists of all selected papers and publications and included additional studies that fulfilled our inclusion criteria (Appendix 2 shows the search strategy for MEDLINE and EMBASE).

Grey literature

To obtain information from unpublished or in-progress studies, we also searched the grey literature. Extracting publicly available information on ACPs for IMGs was also incorporated into the grey literature search. We selected Google Scholar for our search, as it is one of the most commonly used grey literature sources, and studies indexed in other databases are often accessible through Google Scholar.^18,19 Moreover, Google Scholar is a useful search engine to identify the organizational repositories and relevant information on websites of key national, international, professional, immigrant-serving, community, and government and non-government organizations. Search terms are listed in Table 1.

Stage 3: Study selection

To extract the relevant studies on professional integration of IMGs through ACPs we used specific definitions of terms and appropriate databases to ensure sufficient and relevant coverage. We followed the PICOS structure (Table 2) in selecting studies for this review. We did not restrict studies based on country of origin or date of publication, but we excluded all studies focusing on residency-related issues of IMGs. We included studies published in the English language only.

All search outcomes were assessed through a two-step screening process: (i) title-abstract review, and (ii) full-text review (Figure 1). Following common rapid review strategies,¹⁴ only one researcher conducted the screening. In the first screening step, the reviewer screened the papers based on the relevance of their titles and abstracts to our research questions. The full texts of the eligible abstracts were obtained and scrutinized for inclusion in the rapid review based on their relevance to alternative careers for IMGs. If the primary reviewer could not decide whether or not to include an article, other members of the research team reviewed it to achieve consensus.

Stage 4: Charting the data

Data charting involved reading the full text of the eligible articles and identifying the key characteristics of those studies and their outcomes. The research team reviewer charted the information in a limited and predetermined data charting form. Study characteristics were extracted, including citation, study location, study type, study method, and study sample (Table 3). Further data on ACPs, barriers, facilitators, benefits of an alternative career choice, and take-away points were charted using emergent thematic coding (Table 4). EndNote (Clarivate Analytics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA) and Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington, USA) were used for data charting.

Stage 5: Collating, summarizing, and reporting the results

The final stage of a scoping review combines the findings from all eligible articles to deliver an evidence-based response to the original research question. Data were collected,

synthesized, and presented using summary tables to inform the current state of evidence regarding the professional integration of IMGs through ACPs. The charted data were examined and compared to identify any patterns in the information on alternative careers for IMGs. The results of this process were further scrutinized to identify key themes. Table 4 details the key findings of each study pertaining to the professional integration of IMGs through ACPs. One reviewer (NC) completed the data analysis, but all authors reviewed the interpretation and reporting.

Results

Literature search overview

The systematic search of the three academic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus) identified 953 articles, with an additional 86 articles found through searching the grey literature (Google Scholar). After removing duplicates, 809 articles were identified for the title and abstract screening. After reviewing the titles and abstracts, 320 articles were chosen for the full-text screening. The full-text screening revealed five eligible articles for the study. Through hand searching and snowballing the references of these articles, an additional 18 articles were identified. Finally, 23 studies were selected for this rapid scoping review (Figure 1).

Study characteristics overview

Location

Nine of 23 studies were conducted in the United States. Eleven studies were conducted in Canada, while one study focused on both Canada and the United States. Only one study was conducted in Australia; however, it described an ACP for IMGs that was tested in Canada.

Type of research

Most articles (11 of 23) within our eligible studies constituted reports written for different organizations. Eight studies were original research, four of which were quantitative, three were qualitative, and the remaining one used a mixed-method research approach. Two of the qualitative studies were scoping reviews; one of them included other internationally trained medical professionals (e.g., nurses, pharmacists, etc.) and none of them were focused on the integration of IMGs through ACPs. Three articles were commentaries written by researchers in academic journals, and one was a letter to the editor.

Time-period

Among our 23 articles of interest, 13 were published within the last 10 years (2010-2019). The remaining articles were published earlier.

Methods and objectives of the studies

The studies were very diverse in terms of their methodologies and objectives. Four of the original studies and organizational reports used surveys, four involved interviews, and one involved focus groups. Five studies analyzed data from different sources, including policy documents,²⁰ administrative data,^21,22 evaluation reports,²³ and a graduation database²⁴ of a potential ACP program for IMGs. These approaches were used to inquire about the potential of IMGs for an alternative career,²⁵ evaluate IMGs preparedness for an ACP through tests,26 capture the outcomes of a pilot ACP program for IMGs,²¹ review a support program,²² pilot a bridging program,²³ evaluate an accredited program for ACPs,²⁴ assess workshops,²⁷ or to identify factors associated with professional integration.^12,20,28

Figure 1

Study selection schematic

Two scoping reviews attempted to find any gaps in the literature on professional integration of internationally trained health professionals.^29,30 The remaining articles included reports, commentaries, and a 'letter to the editor'.^31-36 The themes were related to experiences of IMGs working in ACPs^31,36 and issues associated with the integration of IMGs through ACPs^20,32,37,38 and described programs that enable IMGs to pursue an ACP.^39,40

Definition of alternative career

We only found one study that provided a working definition for alternative careers for skilled immigrants in general and not specifically IMGs. It defined alternative careers as "those that immigrants pursue other than but related to the regulatory profession in which they were originally trained, that make use of and relate to an immigrant's skills and experience."¹²

Benefits of an alternative career

Several studies identified how alternative careers could be beneficial for both IMGs and stakeholders (Table 4). Stakeholders may include employers who have hiring capacity in those alternative careers, healthcare systems, governing bodies, and the community.

Benefits for IMGs

An alternative career provides IMGs who feel frustrated due to their loss of professional identity with an opportunity to regain a decent professional status and career satisfaction. ^25,27 Studies that reported on Physician Assistant (PA) positions for IMGs as an alternative career found that IMGs are interested in considering the profession, as it offers them a permanent career change instead of engaging in a lengthy and expensive process³⁶ and often not viable career²⁵ through physician licensure.³⁶ Some considered this an interim step toward licensure as a physician³⁶ while gaining knowledge and experience of local healthcare systems,³¹ obtaining Canadian medical experience,²⁰ and maintaining their clinical proficiency.³¹ For some IMGs who did not obtain their medical degree from an institution approved in the International Medical Education Directory, an alternative career was the only option to consider.²²

A report of an American program that fast-tracks IMGs to nursing noted that IMGs in the program reported that US nursing encompasses impressive levels of practice, often similar to those that many IMGs used to practice in their home countries.³⁹ Many IMGs consider this path as an opportunity to re-enter the healthcare system.²⁵ According to another study, female IMGs often give up on pursuing licensing and find alternative employment as midwives, nurses, or in alternative medicine, as these career paths are comparatively more certain than the physician licensure process.²⁰

Benefits for stakeholders

One study showed that IMGs allowed to work as PAs provided an immediately available pool of primary healthcare providers for underserved populations who also may have shared their languages and cultures.³⁶ This was reiterated in other studies where the need for primary care providers with culturally diverse backgrounds was apparent, particularly in places with a high number of immigrant populations,²⁵ in rural and minority populations,³⁸ or in underserved areas irrespective of the population demography.^26,33 One study showed that the majority of the IMG-PA graduates from truncated programs worked in primary care and one-third practiced in medically underserved areas.²⁴ Moreover, patients were happy to see a provider from the same cultural and linguistic background.²⁴

A pilot project in Ontario, Canada employed IMGs in PA roles, as there were limited residency spots for IMGs, and they had shown a comparable level of PA competencies as articulated by the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants.³⁴ One study pointed out that the number of applicants to educational programs for health professionals was decreasing, thereby resulting in a shortage of primary care providers, and these issues could immediately be compensated for³¹ by using IMGs in PA roles or clinical/surgical assistant roles in primary care settings.³⁸

IMGs in nursing roles after completing a fast-track nursing program were highly preferred and welcomed by recruiters for several reasons. Firstly, they had the education and training of a physician and nurse practitioner.³⁹ Secondly, it is far more cost-effective to employ nurse practitioners than fully licensed physicians in primary care.^39,40

Barriers to ACPs

Across studies, a range of barriers faced by IMGs in their pursuit of alternative careers has been described. Some barriers arise at the individual level, while others are more systemic in nature. These barriers are discussed further below, and the results across the studies identified in this review are detailed in Table 4.

Individual-level barriers

IMGs' lack of interest in ACPs

Most of the IMGs in one study never considered looking for an alternative career to being a physician.²⁷ Many contemplate switching their careers only after reaching a stumbling block in the pursuit of licensure.²⁸ Studies also have shown that many IMGs are not interested in or committed to alternate professions and consider only those positions that may help them obtain Canadian clinical experience to facilitate their pursuit of physician licensure, e.g., PA or Clinical Assistant.^33,36

Delayed start of alternative career search

One study indicated that waiting too long to start looking for an alternative career may negatively impact the ability of IMGs to find alternative employment.²⁸ According to that study, IMGs who joined a fast-track nursing program that prepares IMGs to work as a nurse practitioner attempted to obtain US medical residency for at least five years before considering alternative options.³⁹ Many IMGs arrive in the host countries at a later stage of their life, have family responsibilities, and are not in a position to consider alternative careers that require 'starting over'.¹²

Language ability and cultural competency

Studies have indicated that IMGs may fail in alternative career roles due to language differences and a lack of cultural competency,^36,40 particularly in non-physician healthcare roles that require patient communication and satisfaction, such as PA and Nurse Practitioner.^26,31,41

Unaware of the new work environment

It was argued by one study that IMGs working as PAs displayed a lack of knowledge of their new roles as a PA and the respective professional behaviour.^30,36 Similar doubt about IMGs' perceptions of nurse practitioner roles and responsibilities was expressed in another study.⁴⁰ Uncertainty regarding IMGs' lack of knowledge about work environments and professional attitudes may inhibit recruiters from employing IMGs in alternative professions.¹²

Financial barriers and job uncertainty

Some alternative careers require further academic upgrading for IMGs, which can often be quite extensive and expensive.¹² Moreover, a lack of certainty of securing employment after the investment of money and time in a program for alternative careers inhibits IMGs from pursuing alternative careers, particularly those requiring academic upgrading and investment of time and money.²⁸

Systemic barriers

Lack of information in alternative career options

Immigrant IMGs may receive random pieces of information regarding alternative career options from immigrant-serving organizations (ISOs) that help skilled immigrants by providing professional information; however, there is often no structured source of information and resources available for them.¹² Moreover, lack of knowledge about the labor market of the alternative careers, unfamiliarity with job search techniques, and lack of a professional network in the intended occupation impede the integration of IMGs into alternative careers.¹²

Lack of systematic support

One study reported that IMGs who found an alternative career had completed their professional journeys alone.²⁸ They did not receive systematic support or consultation from experts. Their decisions were made on the basis of personal reflection and understanding the status of professional integration for IMGs in Canada.²⁸

Lack of opportunities for employer engagement

Lack of local work experience for the respective jobs is an important barrier to IMGs' pursuit of alternative careers.^12,27 A pilot workshop for IMGs bridging to alternative careers showed that managing a work placement, observership, internship, and volunteer opportunities is very difficult, without which securing a job is nearly impossible.²⁷

Lack of sustained funding

A lack of sustained funding to ISOs that help skilled immigrants with their professional integration impedes the provision of their service.¹² Funding is required to build partnerships with potential employers and other stakeholders and to develop bridging programs to prepare IMGs for the professions and connect them with potential employers.¹²

Not recognizing transferable skill sets

Recognizing IMGs' transferable skills is crucial to identifying and obtaining a suitable alternative career.^12,27 In one study, IMGs reported that they had received extensive training in diagnosis and management of patients. Due to the specific nature of this training, employers and IMGs may not recognize the transferability of these skills to alternative careers.¹² One respondent in that study suggested that IMGs' skills need to be systematically assessed in collaboration with potential recruiters and relevant experts.¹²

Discrimination to IMGs in ACPs

IMGs have reported facing discrimination due to working in non-physician professions, despite being trained as a physician, or being a member of a racial minority.²⁵ Further, many employers believe IMGs working in a non-physician healthcare workforce is not beneficial to the overall healthcare system.²⁵ They do not understand why an internationally qualified physician would seek employment in an alternate field, often one for which they are overqualified.³⁶ Moreover, they are reluctant to hire IMGs, presuming that they are interested in using the position only as a stepping stone to their career goal.³⁰

Facilitators to ACPs

Table 4 summarizes the facilitators reported across the studies identified in this review. The various facilitators are discussed further below.

One-to-one consultation

One-to-one coaching or consultation sessions may be beneficial to inform and prepare IMGs for their professional integration through ACPs.²⁷ Such consultation is essential to assess their prior education and work experiences, as well as to identify transferable skills and help them make informed career choices.^12,27 In addition, providing IMGs with a few highly salient successful case stories may help IMGs in transitioning to an alternative career.¹²

Skill-building workshops

One study demonstrated that workshops to prepare IMGs for particular alternative careers are useful.²⁷ Moreover, including potential employers in the workshops helped increase their awareness regarding the potential of alternative careers as a way to professionally integrate IMGs.²⁷

Bridging programs with placements

Developing bridging programs that help determine IMGs' transferable skills and build relevant new skills are essential for successful integration to alternative careers.²⁷ However, one study indicated that IMGs preferred part-time programs that allow them to work and earn a living while upgrading themselves for alternative careers.¹² Effective bridging programs should offer IMGs the opportunity of job shadowing, mentoring, and internships, as those are useful for both employers and IMGs.²⁷

Connecting IMGs with employers

A pilot project in Alberta, Canada attempted to connect IMGs with potential employers by forwarding employers structured profiles of IMGs.²⁷ This approach facilitated their employment, and the employers showed their interest in receiving additional similar referrals.²⁷ Another study found that both IMGs and potential employers need to be informed about the potential requirements and relevant transferable skills of IMGs to better understand each other's employment needs.¹²

Alternative career roadmap and tools

Key informants in one study reported that some organizations use their individual resources to help IMGs in their search for alternative careers.¹² However, adopting a systematic approach and developing and applying a roadmap in collaboration with all stakeholders will make this more productive and practical.¹² An assessment tool should be developed that takes into account prior education and experience and identifies gaps in the requirements for both employers and IMGs.¹²

Discussion

In this rapid scoping review, we attempted to identify the current research and evidence-based understanding of alternative careers for IMGs. Although a few comprehensive studies were conducted, they indicate that ACPs are beneficial for both IMGs and the host country, especially where there is a good potential for utilizing IMGs' existing skillsets, such as non-physician health-related jobs. Studies showed that working as a physician is central to the individual identity of IMGs; however, when that goal becomes difficult to pursue due to the many barriers they encounter, they look for a career that is closely related to their profession, such as those in allied health and wellness professions.⁴² Despite the lower economic and professional outcomes from many of these careers, they opt for these alternatives as a way to remain in the health and wellness field.⁴² IMGs in health research, health informatics, and health management have the potential to enhance local and national economies by facilitating professional integration.²³ Increasing the employability of skilled immigrants and creating capacities to contribute to society can also have a positive impact on both the individual IMGs and society.⁸ However, female IMGs may be more inclined to pursue alternative careers to establish their career more quickly, as the uncertainty of the physician licensure process undermines their family life.²⁰

However, similar to the pathway to becoming a physician, IMGs are not spared from certain individual and systemic barriers in their pursuit of alternative careers. Individual barriers such as 'IMGs' lack of interest in ACPs', and 'Delayed start of alternative career search' indicate a lack of determination for alternative careers among some IMGs and a feeling of pushback toward the goal of becoming a practicing physician. 'Language ability and cultural competency' and 'Unaware of the new work environment' imply the need for socio-cultural and professional acculturation, respectively. 'Financial barriers and job uncertainty', on the other hand, demonstrates the vulnerability of these immigrant professionals and the struggles they face in the host country.

Reported systemic barriers such as 'Lack of information in alternative career options', 'Lack of systematic support', 'Lack of opportunities for employer engagement', and 'Lack of sustained funding' indicate the lack of systemic awareness and effort and action required to help IMGs integrate professionally through alternative careers. Other systemic barriers, namely 'Not recognizing transferable skill sets' and 'Discrimination to IMGs in ACPs', demonstrate the systemic reluctance and negative attitude toward IMGs' professional integration through alternative careers.

To find success in an alternative career, IMGs need to identify their hard and soft skills, knowledge, competencies (i.e., what they are good at) and aptitudes (i.e., what they can learn easily) required for the career.^27,43 The studies in this review indicated that although IMGs have many transferable skills and aptitudes for learning, they generally need to refresh some of those skills, particularly within the context of the host country. They also require support and an opportunity to acquire new skills to be competitive candidates for those careers. 'One-to-one consultation', 'Skill-building workshops', and 'Bridging programs with placements' were proposed or piloted in some studies to facilitate this aspect of career development. Moreover, as an alternative career is a new field for the IMGs and there is a lack of awareness among employers about the potential of IMGs in alternative careers, helping IMGs to 'connect with employers' by supporting organizations through capacity development or professional development for IMGs/immigrants was found effective. Overall, 'an alternative career roadmap and tools' for both IMGs and the supporting organizations for alternative careers was urged.

The instrumental driver of an alternative career is being unable to obtain a position in the primary career.^27,44 According to one study, only about a quarter (24.7%) skilled immigrants work in their original profession, whereas more than half (54.7%) of their Canadian-born counterparts work in the field for which they have been trained.⁴⁵ Similar to IMGs, an alternative career is increasingly becoming a viable career pathway for the majority of other internationally trained health professionals, such as nurses, pharmacists, occupational therapists, midwives, medical laboratory technologists, and others^.20

Implications for medical education

Despite the potential of alternative careers, various factors, including being required to upgrade skills related to the alternative jobs, obtaining a professional license, obtaining certification or membership, and opportunities in the job market for those seeking alternative careers, are crucial. A pragmatic approach to alternative careers for IMGs through capacity building might be a worthy investment for host countries to help this under-appreciated group of immigrants contribute towards the health and wellness of the country, especially in underserved areas.⁴⁰ Many studies reported that through meticulously developed bridging programs, IMGs could effectively be trained for different roles; however, these activities will benefit from proper engagement activities from their inception. Helping IMGs pursue ACPs instead of undertaking low-skilled jobs boosts IMGs' prospects of better integrating into the labor market and reduces the financial burden and economic loss caused by the underutilization and underemployment of skilled immigrants.^46,47 Further, across the studies in our review, the IMG population was treated as a single homogeneous population, where in reality it is very heterogeneous. Factors such as cultural background, socioeconomic constraints in the new country, or time already spent in the new health system will be informative and need to be incorporated in our understanding of ACPs for IMGs.

Strengths and limitations

This review has several strengths. The first is that it involved an extensive search strategy that included academic databases and grey literature. The conventional approach of conducting a rapid review is through a single database search; however, we searched three major academic databases with our research questions in mind. We also undertook a grey literature database search to help expand the scope of our search. However, this review also has some limitations we need to acknowledge. The inclusion criteria were quite broad; however, considering the fact that there was scarce research on ACPs of IMGs we deemed that as necessary to identify all available information on this topic. Further, in this review, we did not assess the quality of the literature, because of the diverse record types included in this review.

Conclusions

Through this rapid scoping review, we determined that the literature is scarce in the relatively new area of IMGs' professional integration through ACPs. Nevertheless, the existing studies indicate that these pathways have the potential to benefit both IMGs and the host country. Moreover, there is a myriad of barriers that need to be addressed to facilitate these undertakings, particularly the promotion of targeted bridging programs and skill development workshops for IMGs to help them pursue alternative careers. Helping IMGs navigate their pursuit of ACPs and the many barriers they might face in achieving their goals will increase the economic and societal integration of IMGs. As a next step, engagement with potential employers is required to create awareness among them, as well as to guide integration from employers' perspectives. Academics, support providers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers need to be engaged in this work to ensure uptake and impact.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Supplementary materials

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