Perceived Biases and Prejudices Experienced by International Medical Graduates in the US Post-Graduate Medical Education System

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this project was to collect qualitative data on the types of bias and prejudices experienced by international medical graduates (IMGs) in the US graduate medical education system.

Methods – We conducted thirty-six qualitative interviews from a single internal medicine residency program in a large mid-western city over a four-year time period. The study population consisted of 33 IMGs and 3 USMGs.

Results – The data aggregated into four major themes; the externship requirements of residency programs for IMGs, difficult interview experiences, US medical students are critical of residency programs with IMGs, and greater difficulties for IMGs finding employment after residency.

Conclusion – The IMGs from one Internal Medicine residency program in the US post-graduate medical system self-reported considerable bias and prejudice.