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.
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.
