Welcoming International Medical Graduates New to Scotland (WINS)

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) represent 43% of doctors on the GMC register. Many come to Scotland to work, gain experience, or pursue specialist training within the NHS. IMGs, in turn, contribute to Scotland’s healthcare system by bringing a wealth of global experience and diversity of practice that benefits both patients and healthcare teams.

Despite having the requisite knowledge and experience, IMGs face unique challenges as they transition into the NHS. Many of these challenges stem from unfamiliarity of working within a new healthcare environment as well as getting used to a different language and culture.

IMGs have poorer exam pass-rates and ARCP progression compared to UK medical graduates. They are also at a higher risk of complaints and referrals to the GMC for fitness to practice. These inequalities within the health system remain a significant challenge.

The Scotland Deanery in collaboration with various Health Boards offers IMGs a range of support initiatives such as enhanced induction programmes, softer landing, and mentorship and support through its IMG networks.

WINS is an Enhanced Induction Programme for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who are new to working and living in Scotland. WINS, offered for the first time this year, has evolved from the previously successful IMG Orientation Day and STEP (Scottish Trainee Enhanced Programme). For the first time, WINS brought together IMGs from all specialties, including foundation and locally employed doctors. It was offered as an all-day face to face event which was held in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen in September 2024. More than 250 IMGs who attended were joined by more than 100 trainers, mentors and programme directors from within their local teams.

The faculty was developed and organised by Prof Nitin Gambhir Lead Dean, alongside Prof Mo Al-Haddad and Dr Fahd Mahmood as co-leads for the West, Dr Charu Chopra
and Dr Graeme Hay for the East and Dr Achyut Valluri and Dr Monica Milne for the North. The team were ably supported by June Fraser, Christine Rea and Ejaz Farooqui admin leads for WINS.  WINS was delivered by a host of other faculty members from the regions.

Rather than focusing on clinical knowledge, the one-day event covered issues such as the context to the WINS programme, how to be successful in training, intercultural competence, reflection and feedback, resilience, and tips on how to succeed from IMGs already working in Scotland. Attendance of educational supervisors was encouraged,
to allow them to develop an insight into the challenges faced by this group. A regional liaison adviser from the GMC also attended the event to explain their role and the support provided by the GMC. WINS also provided an opportunity for these doctors to meet each other to allow the development of social networks. The aim was to make IMGs feel welcome and valued.

Feedback from the event was very positive, with attendees reporting that they had an improved understanding of many of the concepts covered in the session, an appreciation of how their own background and culture might influence them in their clinical practice. They felt better equipped to succeed in working in the NHS.

Looking forward, we hope to continue to hold the event on a bi-annual basis. WINS is free to attend and complements the local induction provided by each health board.

Below are some quotes from the feedback received:

WINS Team, Scotland Deanery