Training the Trainer: Enhancing IMG Support Through Simulation-Based Learning

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) continue to make substantial and vital contributions to the NHS. Yet, as the career pathways and regulations around immigration for IMGs evolve, so do their support needs — and ensuring that clinical supervisors are equipped to provide this support is more important than ever.

In response, the Faculty Development and IMG teams at East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) developed and piloted a new training initiative for clinical supervisors: a one-day, face-to-face simulation-based training course specifically tailored to support those supervising IMGs.

Co-Creation at the Core
To ensure relevance and authenticity, we consulted three IMGs at different levels of training to help shape the themes of our simulation scenarios. With their input, we co-produced realistic, meaningful scenarios — later brought to life by professional actors from diverse backgrounds.
After an initial pilot and insightful discussions with both actors and participants, we refined the content to better reflect the lived experiences of IMGs and the nuanced challenges they face.

A Thoughtfully Designed Learning Day
The training day included:

A structured introduction and learning session
Simulation scenarios and reflective group discussions
Closing remarks and an interactive Q&A

Participants, recruited through the ELFT Medical Education Department, included a mix of new and experienced consultants — including two who were IMGs themselves.

Positive Feedback and Next Steps
The 2024 course was met with enthusiastic feedback:

100% of attendees found the content useful
83% rated the overall experience as excellent
Many highlighted the simulation scenarios as particularly impactful

One clear takeaway: including more IMG voices would further enrich the learning experience.
We’re now planning to include dedicated sessions led by two IMGs who will share their personal journeys and insights — adding a powerful, first-hand perspective to the training.

Looking Ahead
Supporting IMGs effectively isn't just beneficial for the doctors themselves — it strengthens the services they contribute to and enriches the NHS as a whole. We're excited to continue refining and expanding this training, ensuring supervisors are empowered to offer the understanding, empathy, and guidance IMGs deserve.

If you're a clinical supervisor or educator and want to know more about this initiative, we’d love to connect and share insights.