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Table 3 Major theme summary of positive attributes associated with an increased likelihood of residency success of IMG residents

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

Attribute

Predictors

Quote

Trainability

Professionalism

“Professionalism, always extremely professional [and in candidates we are’ looking for maturity, professionalism […] and reflectiveness.” (interv02)

“We should be … recruiting doctors who are better nuanced in interpersonal skills.” (interv13)

“[Unprofessional residents] in the classroom setting weren’t engaged, not interested, disruptive, … and on their phone.” (interv08)

Ability to Accept and Integrate Feedback Well

“Their insight into their abilities, their lack of defensiveness when given feedback and to take feedback graciously and act on it.” (interv01)

“The other thing which is harder to assess but really has to do with personal integrity, ability to take feedback, that whole professional package, right” (interv10)

“[They] need to be able to improve [and be] willing to take feedback constructively.” (interv06)

High Emotional Intelligence

(Maturity)

“I value people who are truthful and who are genuine, or have a way to express their genuine beliefs” (interv13)

“[How can you] state factors that you can’t read on a transcript or marks about the passion or the enthusiasm or the empathy that the candidate might have.” (interv07)

Positive Attitude

Presence of Positive Attitude

“I love having a resident with passion, loves to learn […] to me that’s huge, you’ve got to have that passion. Because there isn’t a day I don’t go home, 30 years later and start reading about something I saw in the office. If you don’t have that as a student or a resident, you wonder why they’re here.” (interv11)

“The one who was very strong [they] just had a very go-get-em attitude.” (interv03)

Communication Skills

Proficient Communication Skills

“Fluency in English has different degrees. You can have fluency that you can travel and interact and go to the store, whereas to do an interview and take a sexual history or ask somebody about whether they’ve had any [delusions] – that requires a more sophisticated English.” (interv12)

“One of the things that interests me [is] does the person have a breadth of activities that show collaboration and communication skills and ability to work with a team? Because I really think that more and more this is one of the most critical elements of all.” (interv04)

Knowledge

High Level of Medical Knowledge

“An IMG resident who was phenomenal and ended up winning, the outstanding resident award at the end of the two-year residency. [This resident …] has continued on to be a preceptor in the community and does amazing work. I think that … (this resident is a) medical expert and has a solid foundation and background.” (interv09)

“[Of this program’s star IMG trainee] Let’s not even talk about the good medical training [he or she had], the [y had] superlative medical training […]” (interv05)