Provisionally Licensed International Medical Graduates: Recruitment and Retention in Newfoundland and Labrador

Lead Researcher and Department
David Vardy, The Harris Centre, Ann Ryan, Faculty of Medicine and Dr. Rick Audas, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University

Funding Resources
Service Canada, NL Department of Health and Community Services, NL Department of Human Resources and Education, the Metropolis Atlantic Centre (Economics Domain), Memorial University Faculty of Medicine

Summary
Provisionally Licensed International Medical Graduates form a significant proportion of family physicians practicing in Newfoundland and Labrador. They tend to be concentrated in rural communities which are rural, remote and economically depressed. There is a high rate of turnover among PLIMG, only twenty percent remain in the province more than five years.

This study surveyed all PLIMG who practiced in Newfoundland and Labrador between 1995 and 2004. It identifies factors which contribute to the turnover, and makes recommendations with the potential to create better retention of physicians. Retention could be improved by better matching individuals with the location of their practice, and by the province, health authorities and communities creating conditions which would promote retention.

Factors which would improve retention include: orientation to the location of the practice, including to the facilities, rules and requirements of practice in NL; orientation to continuing medical education (CME) and other educational needs; opportunities for spousal employment; opportunities for extracurricular activities for children, particularly in their teen years, and increased financial benefits.

Dates
2008

Keywords
Physician retention; Rural medical practice; Physician licensing; Quality of life

Locations
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
St. John's
Avalon Peninsula

Industry Sectors
Offices of Physicians (Health Care and Social Assistance — Ambulatory Health Care Services)
Health Care and Social Assistance

Thematic Categories
Physicians (Health and Community Services)
Immigration

Departments
Faculty of Medicine (STJ)
Harris Centre (STJ)