Meet: Charlotte Humphries
Title: Project Manager
Portfolio: Strategic Projects & Partnerships (SPP)
Describe what you do and what programs you work on:
I manage the International Medical Graduate (IMG) team at UBC CPD, where we work together to develop and deliver education that prepares internationally trained physicians to practice in British Columbia (BC). Our programs include the BC Physician Integration Program, the IMG Peer Support Network and the UBC CPD Practice Ready Assessment Program.
Which partners do you work with most closely?
Our programs cover a broad base of topics, as IMGs come to BC with diverse prior experiences, clinical specialties and backgrounds. We develop education with physician subject matter experts from across the province, from organizations such as Doctors of BC, the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) and health system organizations like WorkSafeBC. We collaborate with program partners like the Joint Collaborative Committees, Practice Ready Assessment BC (PRA-BC) and Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) to identify where IMGs need the most support.
Who does your work impact?
BC depends on IMGs to address growing demands in health care, including in rural areas and underserved urban areas. While IMGs bring a wealth of experience and skills to their new practice communities, they often face hurdles during the transition. Challenges can stem from the loss of professional networks and social support, as well as difficulty adapting to new practice cultures and administrative systems. Orientation programs, especially when provided early in the transition process, have been shown to help IMGs. In our view, the more confident, resilient and effective IMGs are in their new communities, the stronger the entire health-care system becomes.
What do you think are the new opportunities (trends) affecting your work?
We are seeing a growing interest in coaching and mentoring among IMGs. Last year, we piloted the IMG Peer Support Network — a coaching and mentoring program designed specifically for new-to-practice IMGs. In addition to setting up coaching and mentoring relationships, the program largely focuses on networking and community-building. This is an exciting new opportunity for UBC CPD to be involved in supporting the integration, leadership development and continuing education of IMGs.
| Want to learn more about the work of UBC CPD members? Visit our Meet the Team page. |