The Psychiatrists Training Initiative: developing an educational framework for international medical graduates in rural psychiatry.

Objective: The aim of this paper is to outline challenges and responses in providing a holistic approach to designing and delivering education to international medical graduates (IMGs) undertaking the role of consultant psychiatrists in a rural setting. This paper examines processes underpinning the educational framework with consideration to acculturation issues in Latrobe Regional Hospital's (LRH) Psychiatrists Training Initiative.

Conclusions: To engage and encourage consultant psychiatrist IMGs in an Australian rural setting, it is paramount that educational frameworks incorporate strong elements of communication skills, cross cultural communication and language, with focus on the individual and the group as part of the community.