| This dissertation examined the influence that non-academic factors have on the ability of International Medical School graduates (IMG) to obtain a US residency. According to the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), in the year 2014, there were 29,641 positions offered through the Match program. Ninety-six percent (96.02%), specifically 28,460, residency positions were filled (National, 2014). There were a total 34,270 active participants to the NRMP Match. Of these participants, there were 17,374 seniors from US allopathic schools, of which 94.39% or 16,399 matched. In stark contrast, just 50.97% of IMG participants (12,467) secured a residency, leaving 6,112 un-matched IMGs to try again in subsequent years. Despite the abundance of medical school graduates, 1,181 positions offered through the NRMP remained unfilled. These statistics raise an important question: What are the factors contributing to less than half of IMGs securing a residency position, even when residencies remain vacant? This question takes on heightened importance when considered in light of the rising aging population in the United States and of health care reform requiring all US citizens to have healthcare.;A recent study with NRMP Program Directors revealed that non-academic factors play an important role in the successful application for a residency position (National, 2012). This action-research, case study explored the influence of non-academic factors on the residency outcomes of IMGs from a Caribbean foreign medical school. The study explored the perceived influence of the selected non-academic factors from the vantage point of both Matched and un-Matched IMGs through one-on-one interviews with the participants. Findings from this study culminated in a two-stage action plan. First, profiles of the successful and unsuccessful applicant were created for use in the evaluation of potential IMG candidates. Second, an action plan was developed to inform an individualized improvement program and increase an IMG's likelihood of securing a residency. |
