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Female IMGs creating crucial support networks


Michelle Wisbey


9/08/2024 3:29:04 PM

It can be an isolating life working rurally, especially for GPs born overseas, but it is hoped an online meet-up will create new connections.

Dr Dinara Markhabullina.
Dr Dinara Markhabullina will be presenting at the upcoming Doctors for Women in Rural Medicine webinar.

Born in Uzbekistan, educated in Russia, and now a GP in rural Australia – Dr Dinara Markhabullina has experienced much change in her lifetime.
 
She is one of thousands of international medical graduates (IMGs) now practising in Australia after making the move with her family in 2021.
 
While Dr Markhabullina loves her new life, working in another country, in a rural area, and as a female can come with its own unique challenges. But she knows she is not alone.
 
And it is exactly this she, alongside others, will be discussing at an upcoming RACGP Doctors for Women in Rural Medicine webinar, aimed at bringing together female IMGs working rurally to share their stories and make connections.
 
Dr Markhabullina will be speaking at the webinar on 29 August, alongside former RACGP Rural Chair Associate Professor Ayman Shenouda, to speak about what has helped her along the way, and what needs to change.
 
‘Feeling safe and respected at work is crucial for all doctors, especially IMGs … ensuring a supportive and respectful work environment helps mitigate these stresses and fosters better patient care,’ Dr Markhabullina told newsGP.
 
‘Doctors usually feel safe and respected in Australia. However, sometimes, they face challenges as well.
 
‘Personally, I have faced challenges in adapting to different legal and procedural requirements between states and maintaining work–life balance while fulfilling my roles as a doctor, trainee, and mother of three.’
 
The webinar comes as IMGs continue to flood to Australian shores, with a record number taking up positions in every state and territory.
 
Half of all doctors registered to practice in Australia last financial year were educated internationally, and of those, 60% come from the United Kingdom, Ireland, India, or the Philippines.
 
Additionally, by 2033, IMGs are expected to overtake domestic graduates in the general practice workforce.
 
Dr Markhabullina said with these numbers in mind, several changes are needed to ensure female IMGs feel better supported, both personally and professionally.
 
‘Having access to mentors who understand the unique challenges faced by IMGs can provide invaluable guidance and support … establishing strong support networks through rural doctors’ associations can offer education, guidance, and a sense of community,’ Dr Markhabullina said.
 
‘Providing flexible work schedules can help female doctors balance family and professional responsibilities more effectively.
 
‘Increasing access to childcare services would enable female doctors to practice more hours and manage their professional and personal lives better.
 
‘By addressing the unique needs of female IMGs and fostering supportive work environments, we can ensure that they not only survive but thrive in their roles.’

IMG-committee-article.jpg
Former RACGP Rural Chair Associate Professor Ayman Shenouda. 

Associate Professor Shenouda migrated from Egypt more than 28 years ago, beginning his medical career in Australia as a surgical registrar in Tasmania and then moving to Wagga Wagga where he has been for the past 20 years.
 
He agreed that much more work needs to be done to help IMGs feel happy and supported working in Australia, such as making their arrival easier or offering mentorships.
 
‘It’s essential that people feel welcomed in the communities, reassured, and given some security, but our system at the moment is not very helpful with that,’ Associate Professor Shenouda told newsGP.
 
‘What we do is we ask the people with the least experience of our own communities work in the most difficult areas and then they don’t get enough support, and so it’s really challenging.
 
‘But the good thing is that people coming from overseas have a lot of resilience and they understand what an opportunity it is.’
 
Associate Professor Shenouda, himself an IMG, said while there are challenges for IMGs, and especially female IMGs, working remotely, the job also comes with exciting rewards.
 
‘I would like to focus also on how lovely it is to work rurally and to encourage our local graduates to come out and enjoy the type of practice that we have in rural communities,’ he said.
 
‘You practise in the full scope of general practice, which is very exciting, yes, it’s a bit challenging, but very exciting that you can help patients with complex issues and it’s that challenge that keeps us going.
 
‘For a doctor, this is the most exciting and most rewarding experience because you do help people.’
 
The webinar will be held on Thursday, 29 August between 7.30–8.30 pm (AEST).
Register here.
 
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female GPs IMGs International Medical Graduates rural workforce


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A.Prof Christopher David Hogan   13/08/2024 12:29:24 PM

Amman Shenouda was RACGP President for many months & should be recognised as a Past President


A.Prof Christopher David Hogan   13/08/2024 12:43:03 PM

I am pleased to see that the candidates for the next President have said that the treatment of IMGs must be improved & they must have ongoing support for the very difficult job they do.
Very few come here for financial reasons- they come to avoid conflict & persecution . & to allow the females in their families a freedom unavailable in the places they left.

Although extremely satisfying rural practice is different from urban practice & local urban graduates & their families also need support.
This was possible when the Divisions existed but since they were killed off……..