The experiences of international medical graduates (IMGs) new to the NHS: an interpretive phenomenological analysis

The experiences of international medical graduates (IMGs) new to the NHS: an interpretive phenomenological analysis

Introduction: International Medical Graduates (IMGs) comprise a large portion of the NHS workforce and within Acute Medicine. There is little research exploring the lived experiences of IMGs in the context of their own socio-cultural background and past experiences. This study aimed to explore these experiences.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 6 IMGs in a university hospital in England. Data was analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.
Results: The following themes were identified: being forlorn; unmet expectations; a deep appreciation of any support received; and reasons for optimism.
Discussion: This study reveals the profound impact transitioning to NHS can have on IMGs, affecting the way they behave in and outside of work, their interactions with others, and the relationships they build.

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The experiences of international medical graduates (IMGs) new to the NHS: an interpretive phenomenological analysis

28th April 2026
PMID: 42127349
Authors Affiliations
Latif Raiyan Rahman FRCP, FRCP (Edin), MMedSci, Pg Cert (Critical Care), FHEA Consultant, Acute Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester
Nicola Cooper FRCPE FRACP FAcadMedEd SFHEA Professor of Medical Education and Honorary Consultant Physician, University of Nottingham

The experiences of international medical graduates (IMGs) new to the NHS: an interpretive phenomenological analysis

Cite this article as:

Rahman LR, Cooper N. The experiences of international medical graduates (IMGs) new to the NHS: an interpretive phenomenological analysis. Acute Med. 2025;24(3):112-117. doi: 10.52964/AMJA.1015. PMID: 42127349.

The experiences of international medical graduates (IMGs) new to the NHS: an interpretive phenomenological analysis

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