Unless you are on a scholarship, you will spend thousands of pounds before you can graduate from medical school. These thousands can quickly become millions in your home country’s currency if you are an international medical student. Add this to the hundreds of hours spent on shifts and the late-night studying, and you can easily see that becoming an IMG is daunting.
However, just because it is daunting does not mean that it is not rewarding. In fact, being a medical worker can be one of the most rewarding career paths anyone can take. You will find yourself caring for people in ways that only a well-trained health worker can. Nothing beats the smile of a patient under your care when they feel better.
As an IMG, getting used to a different culture can make the process even harder than it might ordinarily be. Also, being far from home and your family and friends can do its own type of damage to your mental health and hence your overall program.
Therefore, I have outlined some steps you can take to help you find your purpose and fit in better as an IMG.
4 Things To Do To Easily Find Your Purpose As An IMG
Remember why you chose to migrate in the first place
Understanding the reason you decided to migrate to that country can help you gain focus. This focus is vital in times when you feel overwhelmed. You might have chosen to migrate because of the better training that the new country provides. You may also have decided to relocate because of your improved chances of having a great career in the health industry. Putting this reason(s) at the fore of your thoughts can help you create that focus to help you deal with potential challenges.
Take risks, aim high
At the risk of sounding like the run-of-the-mill motivational speaker, you should aim as high as possible and take appreciable risks. Aiming high gives you a sense of purpose and something to achieve. Your aim could be to progress personally and in your career. No use spending years reading for exams, crossing hurdles and then only to remain static. You may also choose to change cities, take on more challenges, or change departments. Risks and aims like these can help you quickly find and achieve your purpose as an IMG. You can soon feel bogged down or bored if you do not take any risks.
Do not be intimidated by your peers
This point is important because, in my several years of practice, I have seen people get overwhelmed by the pressures of wanting to catch up. While it is okay to admire people who have achieved more than you, you should not feel inadequate. Learn to pace yourself and set your own milestones. Celebrate your little wins but be aggressive in setting your goals, as I pointed out above. Remember always that whatever you achieve is valid. Thankfully, there is very little discrimination in the UK concerning educational achievements. Therefore, you can take your time to pace yourself in your career without needing to feel that you are not doing enough.
Integrate with the system and the culture of your city
One of the quickest ways to get comfortable in whatever city you find yourself in is by integrating yourself with its culture. You can do this by mingling with people other than other IMGs. People in different fields are a treasure trove of information that can be both educative and fun. Go out, take walks in the parks, or travel to other cities during your vacations and make new friends. The waiter at your favorite restaurant can give you tips on how to enjoy your city if you ask them.
Conclusion
I cannot say it enough that it is easy to feel disconcerted as an IMG because of the demands. However, there are steps you can take to help you stay in focus and achieve your goals. Finding your purpose is essential to fulfilling your dreams of becoming an expert in your chosen field. Do not get lost in the system, rather let your voice be heard. Other posts on my blog explore several other things you can do to make your career enjoyable and more rewarding.
Cheers
Dr Mute