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Table 2 Interview protocol and sample questions used to conduct semi-structured interviews for participants in the study

From: Challenges with international medical graduate selection: finding positive attributes predictive of success in family medicine residency

Interview Protocol

Introduction & Demographic Questions (Examples):

âž” What is your official title?

âž” How long have you been involved with this family medicine training site?

âž” Why did you choose to work in your current setting?

âž” What types of residents do you work with?

Follow-up questions …

Selection Process Reflective Questions (Examples):

âž” What is your role in the selection of candidates?

âž” What factors in the selection process do you most heavily weigh upon? for IMGs and CMGs?

âž” What current selection tools are used at your institution?

Follow-up questions …

IMG Experience (Examples):

âž” What is your role in the supervision of trainees?

➔ What is the number of IMGs you have supervised over the past 5 years?

âž” Can you share an example of an IMG candidate that thrived in residency?

âž” What attributes did that IMG candidate have that made them succeed?

Follow-up questions …

Philosophy: Aims of selection (Examples):

âž” Do you think candidates should be chosen based on their adaptability?

âž” Do you think family physician training should be different depending on what type of practice they will be taking up in the future?

Follow-up questions …

IMG Selection Philosophy Introspective Questions

➔ What do you value or discount in an IMG candidate’s application?

âž” Do you think we are missing something in the current selection process?

Follow-up questions …

Closing Questions and follow up remarks