An acculturization curriculum: orienting international medical graduates to an internal medicine residency program

The number of International Medical Graduate (IMG) applicants to residency programs has increased steadily over the past decade. Despite high motivation and significant medical knowledge, differences in training and cultural expectations can create knowledge gaps and influence how IMGs relate to patients and staff. This contributes to increased opportunities for medical errors, patient dissatisfaction, and frustration among colleagues.

To improve this transition we introduced a required, 2-week precourse for IMGs entering our program. The curriculum focused around the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education core competencies.

Participants reported knowledge gains and rated favorably didactic sessions and small-group activities. Program directors and other key stakeholders reported positive experiences with the precourse, especially the reduction in transition stress and missed work time in July.

An intensive precourse for IMGs can attenuate transition stress and increase knowledge of core medical skills and competencies.