\u27Guide the Tide\u27 - Supervision of International Medical Graduates in the Emergency Department: A Mixed Methods Study

Australia’s emergency departments (EDs) have experienced significant stress since the COVID-19 pandemic. An increase in the number of patient presentations, a lack of in-patient beds for the disposition of admitted patients and long waiting times are contributing factors jeopardising patient safety. In addition, the shortage of skilled staff to look after patients in the ED is the paramount concern currently and moving forward. Similarly to many other specialty areas of medicine, EDs rely on international medical graduates (IMGs) to fill the gaps in the medical workforce. However, concerns have been raised regarding IMG diversity in training requirements, clinical skills and ability to deliver appropriate patient treatment and care. Often these overseas-trained doctors fail to perform efficiently owing to a lack of understanding of the Australian health system; hospital policy, protocols and procedures; and social and cultural differences. The effective supervision and ongoing support of IMGs is crucial for improving functional efficacy, professional development and facilitating a smooth transition into the Australian health system. There has been limited research conducted on supervision models and strategies for the practical supervision of IMGs in Australia. Therefore, it is important to understand the overall picture, as well as the enablers and barriers that senior clinicians face in the supervision of IMGs. This mixed-method research explored IMG supervision from the supervisors’ perspective in the ED, using a survey and semi-structured interviews. A lack of understanding of the nuances of colloquial language, adjustments to Australia’s patient-centred non-hierarchical medical culture, the struggle to understand hospital processes and significant time constraints for supervisors in resource- poor, access-blocked EDs are some of the important barriers identified in the study. The study also highlighted the need for an extended orientation and mentorship program, supported by the organisation, which goes beyond the process and protocols, while providing cultural and communication training and supportive reflection through regular constructive feedback from the supervisors. It is apparent that there is a lack of research in the field of IMG support in EDs and the Australian health system. This study provides a pathway for further investigation into the IMG perspective of supervision to understand their needs. This study expplored the long-term benefits of a structured formal IMG support program and its influence on IMG career progress and professional development

Nulungu Reconciliation Lecture 2026

Presenter to be confirmed

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children\u27s Day is celebrated annually on August 4 to honor the strengths, cultures, and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The date was chosen to communally celebrate the birthdays of children of the Stolen Generations who did not know their own birthdays. It is a day to recognize the importance of culture, family, and community in a child\u27s life and to support a future where children are strong in their identity

Talking Heads Seminar Series

Presenter TB