Easing the Entry of Qualified International Medical Graduates to U.S. Medical Practice

Abstract

Almost one quarter of physicians and physicians-in-training in the United States are international medical graduates (IMGs), meaning they have graduated from a medical school not accredited in the United States. Some IMGs are U.S. citizens and others are foreign nationals. IMGs, many of whom have years of training and experience gained in their countries of origin, have long contributed to the U.S. health care system, especially by providing care to populations that have been historically underserved. Additionally, many IMGs contribute to the diversity of the health care workforce, which can enhance the health of the population. The diversity of the United States is increasing, and racial and ethnic concordance between a physician and a patient has been linked to improved health outcomes.IMGs must meet national- and state-level licensing and credentialing standards like any other U.S. physician. This assures the ongoing quality of the care provided by the medical workforce and protects the public. However, at the state level, variation in standards and standards that may be more challenging to meet than those for U.S. medical school graduates may hamper IMGs' contributions. IMGs who are not U.S. citizens also face visa and immigration barriers.In this article, the authors present insights gleaned from Minnesota's model IMG integration program as well as changes made in 2 states in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Improving and streamlining processes for IMGs to be licensed and credentialed as well as the policies governing visas and immigration, where appropriate, can ensure that IMGs will be willing and able to continue to practice when and where they are needed. This, in turn, could increase the contribution of IMGs to addressing health care inequities, improving health care access through service in federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas, and reducing the impact of potential physician shortages.