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Ego identity development in physicians: a cross-cultural comparison using a mixed method approach.
Tanya N Beran1, Efrem Violato, Sonia Faremo
1Medical Education and Research Unit, University of Calgary, Faculty of Medicine, 3330 Hospital Dr, N,W,, Calgary, AB, Canada. tnaberan@ucalgary.ca
BMC Research Notes
|May 25, 2012
Summary
Canadian International Medical Graduates (CIMGs) and non-CIMGs differ in their career decision-making processes. While half of CIMGs explored careers, no non-CIMGs did before choosing medicine.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Career Development
- Psychology
Background:
- International Medical Graduates (IMGs) pursue medical licensure in Canada.
- Two distinct IMG groups exist: Canadian IMGs (CIMGs) and non-IMGs.
- Understanding differing motivations for CIMGs and non-IMGs is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the career decision-making process of IMGs in Canada.
- To differentiate the decision-making pathways of CIMGs versus non-IMGs.
Main Methods:
- 46 IMGs (20 CIMGs, 26 non-IMGs) participated in semi-structured interviews.
- Content analysis based on Ego Identity Statuses theory was employed.
- Event contingency analysis and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical comparison.
Main Results:
- A significant difference was found between CIMGs and non-IMGs (p < .0001).
- 55% of CIMGs achieved identity, while 45% were foreclosed.
- 100% of non-IMGs were classified as identity foreclosed.
Conclusions:
- Approximately half of CIMGs explored alternative careers before committing to medicine.
- No non-IMGs reported exploring various career options prior to selecting medicine.
- This highlights distinct career decision-making trajectories for IMGs in Canada.
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