Induction and workplace training are essential components in helping newly arrived Overseas Trained Doctors (OTDs) settle into the community. Individual employers will have different methods and practices for helping international medical graduates become comfortable in their new position as quickly as possible but most will include some sort of workplace orientation.
A workplace orientation should provide new doctors with the ability and confidence to work safely and in accordance with company policies, typically this happens through a brief induction period.
Many employers will also provide an orientation handbook for OTDs to refer to as needed, which may include things such as the organisational structure, administrative issues, emergency procedures, professional conduct, and clinical protocols.
Orientation in the healthcare system of the country you are going to should include comprehensive information about any national health care schemes, for example Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in Australia.
OTDs should also request to be made familiar with medical terminology abbreviations used as well as drug names because even common over-the-counter medicines are sometimes known by different names in other countries.
There is a lot to take in when moving to a new country including a different culture so as part of the orientation for overseas trained doctors, your employer may arrange a community welcome.
This could involve assigning someone to be your social mentor who will introduce you to key people in the community. It may also mean attending a welcome event to help you set up your own social network, learn about common interests and make friends.
Community orientation could be as simple as your new employer providing a welcoming pack which includes local information such as the location and contact details of public venues – schools, banks, churches and libraries for example – as well as restaurant takeaway menus and taxi numbers.
Cultural awareness training is often offered to help doctors understand cultural values and styles of communication within the country. This could include formal training courses either onsite or online. There may be online resources available to assist with cultural awareness training and OTDs should avail themselves of such resources prior to arriving where possible.
It is essential that any induction and workplace orientation is comprehensive and adequate. If you’re unsure it’s always a good idea to discuss this with your employer or your recruitment agent.