title: Retention in a 10-year cohort of internationally trained family physicians licensed in Manitoba.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  International medical graduates (IMGs) seeking licensure in Canada have been recruited to practise in medically underserviced areas, but retention of these physicians remains a concern. This study explored retention of IMG family physicians in Manitoba and its predictors.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used data from the University of Manitoba, provincial registries and Manitoba Health. Inclusion criteria were IMGs who completed University of Manitoba IMG training or assessment programs, and their return-of-service. Practice location, certification and licensure status were examined. We used logistic regression to consider the effects of a mentorship program, Manitoba residency at application, IMG program and years since program graduation on retention.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 197 IMGs met the inclusion criteria. Most IMGs (63.5%) remained in Manitoba, and 59.2% of this group practised outside of Winnipeg. Of those remaining in Manitoba, most (69.6%) held full provincial licensure and national certification. The regression model was significant (χ24= 13.94,p= 0.007), explaining 10% of the variance in retention. Two predictors were significant: years since program graduation and Manitoba residency at the time of application.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Long-term retention of IMG physicians remains a concern. Potential interventions likely to increase retention, such as Manitoba residency at application and a focus on mentorship programs, should be further explored.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Education, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mowat
authors.affiliation: International Medical Graduate Program, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Reslerova
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sisler
mesh_terms: D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005550:Foreign Medical Graduates / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016015:Logistic Models; D008350:Manitoba; D010563:Personnel Turnover / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019035:Rural Health Services; D000078329:Workforce