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A literature review was conducted to identify the experiences, challenges and acculturation of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) living and working throughout rural and remote Australia. As such recently published literature highlighted key factors impacting IMGs living and working in rural and remote areas which informed the acculturation process in western society. IMGs acculturation throughout Australian rural settings occurs rapidly among these higher educated migrants. Those IMGs with Australian spouses or who have practiced in rural settings prior to migration also experience a new phase of acculturation. However, maintaining cultural and religious connectivity continues to be challenging in these settings. Community awareness and an ability to embrace IMGs and cultural differences remain crucial for identity and cultural retention. Nevertheless, few studies recognised quality of life and social needs of IMGs and their family’s impact on the rural acculturation and settlement success. Previous research has focused primarily on employment integration, satisfaction and practice support. The identified literature is in no way extensive as it focuses on IMGs in the Australian context, which may impact on transferability. A gap exists where quality of life and social needs of IMGs and their families have been overlooked. These are crucial factors impacting rural acculturation, retention and IMGs health and wellbeing. The literature highlights insights into IMGs acculturation as they migrate and reside in Tasmania, a less culturally diverse population, remains absent with very little comparable research conducted.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	acculturation, international medical graduates, Australia, rural community, settlement success, quality of life
Research Division:	Human Society
Research Group:	Sociology
Research Field:	Rural sociology
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Specific population health (excl. Indigenous health)
Objective Field:	Rural and remote area health
UTAS Author:	Terry, DR (Mr Daniel Terry)
UTAS Author:	Le, Q (Dr Quynh Le)
UTAS Author:	Woodroffe, JJ (Dr Jessica Woodroffe)
UTAS Author:	Ogden, K (Dr Kathryn Ogden)
ID Code:	75996
Year Published:	2011
Deposited By:	UTAS Centre for Rural Health
Deposited On:	2012-02-22
Last Modified:	2013-02-12
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