In general, the existence of prejudice between physicians and patients can be an obstacle to appropriate interaction and rapport-building and hence to good quality medical care. As noted in 3.3.1, not accepting IMGs can be seen anywhere in the world, so it is to be expected in SA as well. However, patients’ expression of non-acceptance and IMGs’ reaction to these expressions can be different from one setting to another. 6.3.4.2 Positive stereotyping The findings showed that Egyptian IMGs were more highly rated, by themselves and their patients, than other IMGs with regards to their communication skills and professionalism. Most of the Egyptian IMGs believed that they were more effective and popular than other IMGs because of their sociability, good listening abilities and attention to the psychosocial aspects of patients’ care. For example, one Egyptian IMG noted: “Egyptians’ characters attract patients. They always know how to interact with patients. I am sure if you ask patients about their Egyptian physicians you would find that they have a strong bond with them. They care about diabetes patients from all aspects; they listen and care about patients’ psychology” [Translated] (IMG16, Egyptian) Two of the patients also confirmed these positive characteristics when describing Egyptian physicians and even expressed a preference for them over Saudi physicians who share the same cultural beliefs. According to one patient:
In general, the existence of prejudice between physicians and patients can be an obstacle to appropriate interaction and rapport-building and hence to good quality medical care. As noted in 3.3.1, not accepting IMGs can be seen anywhere in the world, so it is to be expected in SA as well. However, patients’ expression of non-acceptance and IMGs’ reaction to these expressions can be different from one setting to another. 6.3.4.2 Positive stereotyping The findings showed that Egyptian IMGs were more highly rated, by themselves and their patients, than other IMGs with regards to their communication skills and professionalism. Most of the Egyptian IMGs believed that they were more effective and popular than other IMGs because of their sociability, good listening abilities and attention to the psychosocial aspects of patients’ care. For example, one Egyptian IMG noted: “Egyptians’ characters attract patients. They always know how to interact with patients. I am sure if you ask patients about their Egyptian physicians you would find that they have a strong bond with them. They care about diabetes patients from all aspects; they listen and care about patients’ psychology” [Translated] (IMG16, Egyptian) Two of the patients also confirmed these positive characteristics when describing Egyptian physicians and even expressed a preference for them over Saudi physicians who share the same cultural beliefs. According to one patient:
N%20Abouammoh%20Thesis.docx