A Mixed Method Study on Indian Medical Graduates With Abroad Career Aspirations And Their Interest in Medical Research

Background: Physicians in India have long had a tendency to work overseas. They travel to developed nations to gain exposure to a different culture and receive professional training Objectives : Explore the motivations and trends of IMGs in Medical Research 2 Ch allenges and Solutions of the Foreign Medical Entrance Exam and the working style Material and Methods: An Explanatory Mixed method study was done on a sample size of 124 participants. We included Indian Medial Graduates currently undergoing any kind of r esearch activities from our Medical College. The questionnaire included information on sociodemographic details, research activities and opinions about abroad career. IDIs were undertaken using K Textual Dialogues in Qualitative Research with a purposively selected sample. Results : 94 (75.8%) of the students did only one research work during their medical course.44 (35.4%) did research for their USMLE/PLAB preparation. Among the participants, 61(49.1%) wanted to explore and return to India, 28(22.5%) wanted to settle abroad. The qualitative results of 5 IDIs were described under three themes of early preparation, legal eligibility and balancing professional and personal life. Conclusion: Indian medical graduates are becoming more interested in medical research, a trend that is mostly driven by their desire to pass international medical entrance exams.