Can doctors from some countries work in the US without residency? Here's what we know
States including Florida, Virginia, Wisconsin, Idaho, Minnesota, and Texas issue provisional licenses to doctors who already hold an active license abroad, pass the US medical exams, and work under supervision for a set period (FSMB).
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How state programs are changing the rules
The details vary state by state. Tennessee, for example, lets internationally trained doctors with significant prior experience practice under supervision for two years before applying for a full license. The Cato Institute notes that Florida, Virginia, and Idaho have similar pathways, designed to get qualified physicians treating patients sooner while still ensuring oversight.
Other states, including Colorado and Iowa, offer re-entry or restricted licenses to IMGs. These programs allow foreign-trained physicians to practice, but often come with limits on scope. As the resource site USMLE Sarthi points out, eligibility criteria differ widely. Some states are more flexible, while others impose strict requirements before granting any independent practice rights.
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National standards still apply
Despite state-level reforms, national rules have not gone away. The American Medical Association (AMA) stresses that all IMGs must still obtain certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), which verifies that foreign degrees meet US standards (AMA). Nearly all states also require passing scores on all three steps of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) before granting a full license.
The push for change comes amid mounting concerns about access to care. The Wall Street Journal has reported that the US could be short more than 40,000 primary care physicians by 2030, a gap that has many states rethinking traditional barriers (WSJ). At the same time, research published in the BMJ and highlighted by Time Magazine found that patients treated by foreign-trained doctors in the US had slightly lower mortality rates than those treated by US-trained physicians, underscoring the value IMGs can bring to the system.
FAQs
Can foreign doctors practice in the US without residency?
In most states, residency is still required, but around 18 states now allow provisional licensing for qualified IMGs.
Which states allow doctors to work without residency?
States including Florida, Virginia, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Idaho, and Texas have created alternative pathways.
Do IMGs still need to pass exams?
Yes, ECFMG certification and USMLE exams remain mandatory nationwide.
Why are states changing rules for IMGs?
The reforms aim to address America's growing physician shortage, projected to exceed 40,000 doctors by 2030.
Are foreign-trained doctors as qualified as US-trained ones?
Studies, including one published in the BMJ, suggest that patients of foreign-trained doctors in the US had slightly better outcomes.
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Hindustan Times
14 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Can doctors from some countries work in the US without residency? Here's what we know
For decades, international medical graduates (IMGs) had one clear path to practicing in the United States: completing a US residency. That remains the rule in most of the country. But with a looming physician shortage, a growing number of states are opening new doors for foreign-trained doctors. According to the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), at least 18 states have now created licensing programs that allow certain IMGs to begin practicing without first completing a full US residency. At least 18 US states have now created licensing programs that allow certain international medical graduates to start practicing without first completing a full US residency.(Representative image/Unsplash) States including Florida, Virginia, Wisconsin, Idaho, Minnesota, and Texas issue provisional licenses to doctors who already hold an active license abroad, pass the US medical exams, and work under supervision for a set period (FSMB). Also read: 'Both will have to make concessions': Marco Rubio on Ukraine-Russia peace deal How state programs are changing the rules The details vary state by state. Tennessee, for example, lets internationally trained doctors with significant prior experience practice under supervision for two years before applying for a full license. The Cato Institute notes that Florida, Virginia, and Idaho have similar pathways, designed to get qualified physicians treating patients sooner while still ensuring oversight. Other states, including Colorado and Iowa, offer re-entry or restricted licenses to IMGs. These programs allow foreign-trained physicians to practice, but often come with limits on scope. As the resource site USMLE Sarthi points out, eligibility criteria differ widely. Some states are more flexible, while others impose strict requirements before granting any independent practice rights. Also read: 'Absolutely disgusting': ICE arrest of TikToker Tatiana Martinez sparks anger on social media National standards still apply Despite state-level reforms, national rules have not gone away. The American Medical Association (AMA) stresses that all IMGs must still obtain certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), which verifies that foreign degrees meet US standards (AMA). Nearly all states also require passing scores on all three steps of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) before granting a full license. The push for change comes amid mounting concerns about access to care. The Wall Street Journal has reported that the US could be short more than 40,000 primary care physicians by 2030, a gap that has many states rethinking traditional barriers (WSJ). At the same time, research published in the BMJ and highlighted by Time Magazine found that patients treated by foreign-trained doctors in the US had slightly lower mortality rates than those treated by US-trained physicians, underscoring the value IMGs can bring to the system. FAQs Can foreign doctors practice in the US without residency? In most states, residency is still required, but around 18 states now allow provisional licensing for qualified IMGs. Which states allow doctors to work without residency? States including Florida, Virginia, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Idaho, and Texas have created alternative pathways. Do IMGs still need to pass exams? Yes, ECFMG certification and USMLE exams remain mandatory nationwide. Why are states changing rules for IMGs? The reforms aim to address America's growing physician shortage, projected to exceed 40,000 doctors by 2030. Are foreign-trained doctors as qualified as US-trained ones? Studies, including one published in the BMJ, suggest that patients of foreign-trained doctors in the US had slightly better outcomes.
NDTV
16 hours ago
- NDTV
US Suspends Visas For Gazans Seeking Medical Aid After Far-Right Campaign
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First Post
20 hours ago
- First Post
Why are adults in China turning to pacifiers for stress relief?
In China, adult pacifiers priced between 10 and 500 yuan are selling in the thousands each month, according to local media. Made from silicone or rubber, these oversized dummies are marketed for anxiety relief, smoking cessation, and improved sleep. Dentists warn of risks such as misaligned teeth, jaw pain, and breathing difficulties with prolonged use Some online shops claim they sell more than 2,000 adult pacifiers a month. Representational Image/AI-generated via Perplexity by Firstpost Adult pacifiers, once unimaginable outside of infant care, have become a surprising consumer phenomenon in China. Marketed for purposes ranging from easing stress to aiding sleep, these oversized silicone and rubber products have sparked a wave of online purchases. While many consumers swear by their benefits, health experts warn of possible physical harm and question whether these pacifiers address deeper emotional needs, reported South China Morning Post (SCMP). From baby aisles to adult shopping carts In recent months, e-commerce platforms such as Taobao and have seen a surge in listings for adult pacifiers. These products, designed to fit the mouths of grown-ups, are considerably larger than their infant counterparts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The nipple is generally transparent, while the shield can be found in a range of colours. Prices vary widely — some sell for as little as 10 yuan (approximately US$1.40), while premium versions are listed at up to 500 yuan (about US$70). According to figures reported in Chinese media, certain online shops are now selling thousands of these pacifiers every month. Some distributors have stated they move more than 2,000 units in that period. Promotional materials often highlight benefits such as promoting relaxation, improving sleep quality, providing psychological comfort, assisting in quitting smoking, and even encouraging proper breathing techniques. Why people are buying them The appeal of these products is evident in customer feedback. One reviewer wrote, 'It is high quality, soft, and I feel comfortable sucking it. It does not impede my breathing.' Another shared, 'It is amazing in helping me quit smoking. It gives me psychological comfort and makes me not so fidgety during my smoke cessation periods.' A third consumer commented, 'When I am under pressure at work, I suck on the dummy. I feel I am indulged in a sense of safety from childhood.' For some users, the pacifier functions as a tool for relaxation in stressful work environments, while others incorporate it into nighttime routines to aid in falling asleep, reported SCMP. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Several buyers have linked its use to managing anxiety or coping with feelings of burnout. A number of people attempting to quit smoking say the pacifier serves as a substitute oral fixation, helping them endure cravings without lighting a cigarette. The psychological explanation Mental health professionals say the practice may be tied to what is known as the 'regression phenomenon,' a psychological response in which adults revert to behaviours or objects associated with childhood comfort when faced with high stress or emotional strain. This behaviour, they note, can temporarily provide a sense of security and reduce anxiety. Zhang Mo, a psychologist in Chengdu, told SCMP, 'The real solution is not to treat themselves as a child, but to face the challenge directly and to solve it.' She explained that while these pacifiers might offer short-term relief, they could also prevent individuals from confronting underlying issues. Instead of addressing the root causes of stress or anxiety, the object may serve as an avoidance mechanism. Concerns from the medical community While consumer enthusiasm continues to grow, dental and medical professionals have raised multiple red flags about prolonged use. Tang Caomin, a dentist based in Chengdu, cautioned that extended use — particularly more than three hours per day — could lead to structural changes in the mouth. 'By sucking the dummy for more than three hours a day, the position of your teeth might change after a year,' he told SCMP. He also noted that frequent pacifier use could reduce jaw mobility and cause pain while chewing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tang expressed additional safety concerns, especially when the pacifier is used during sleep. If components become loose, there is a risk that parts could be inhaled or swallowed, potentially causing choking or suffocation. Other possible complications include oral infections from continuous contact with the device, and breathing difficulties if airflow is obstructed. 'The potential damage to customers' mouths by the pacifiers is intentionally played down by their sellers,' Tang remarked. Health experts also warn that relying on a pacifier to cope with stress could mask existing emotional or psychological conditions. Without proper treatment, these issues might worsen over time, even if the user experiences temporary comfort. Social media buzz divided The unusual sight of adults openly using pacifiers has generated intense discussion on Chinese social media. A topic related to the trend reportedly amassed more than 60 million views on one platform. Reactions have ranged from disbelief to humour. 'This world has become so mad that adults are using pacifiers,' one online user commented. Another quipped, 'Is this not a kind of stupid tax?' Some defend the practice as a harmless and personal choice, arguing that in an increasingly stressful society, adults should be free to seek comfort in any safe form they choose. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Others see it as a symptom of growing emotional fragility, particularly among younger generations. Short videos on platforms like TikTok show adults in the United States and South Korea using pacifiers in various scenarios — during traffic jams, in the middle of high-pressure workdays, or as a means to unwind before bed. In many cases, the users cite similar reasons to those given by Chinese buyers: reducing anxiety, relieving stress, and achieving better sleep. Not a long term solution However, medical and psychological professionals outside China echo the same concerns as their Chinese counterparts, stressing that while the pacifier may provide temporary relief, it is not a substitute for long-term mental health strategies or proper medical care. The popularity of adult pacifiers sheds light on the increasing need for accessible coping mechanisms in societies where stress, anxiety, and burnout are on the rise. Unlike structured interventions such as therapy, exercise routines, or mindfulness training, pacifiers offer a quick, low-effort form of relief that does not require significant lifestyle changes. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies
