Latest news with #IMGs
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- 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.
Cision Canada
11-07-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
CMPA 2024 Performance Results Demonstrate Support to Members and Advancements in Safe Medical Care
OTTAWA, ON, July 11, 2025 /CNW/ - CMPA's 2024 Annual Report demonstrates the Association's continuing role as an essential component of the Canadian healthcare system. The report shows how CMPA delivered on its key priorities to promote patient safety through research and learning, to provide medico-legal support for doctors, and compensate patients when it has been proven they have been harmed by negligent medical care (fault in Quebec). Demonstrating agility in supporting physician members Over the past year, CMPA took on a leadership role in providing guidance to members on the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by working with key stakeholders to help shape the future of AI in healthcare. As a result of CMPA's role, four of five regulatory Colleges who released guidance on AI in 2024 referenced CMPA resources. In 2024, CMPA liaised with the federal government and collaborated with provincial and territorial medical associations and medical regulatory authorities to support the integration of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) into Canadian healthcare. In order to address their specific learning needs, the Association curated and shared learning resources that provide the Canadian medico-legal perspective. CMPA continued to work collaboratively with external partners and stakeholders to support and modernize Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives. Through these partnerships, CMPA shared research and knowledge and contributed our expertise to help address systemic inequities and create a more inclusive healthcare environment in Canada. "Equity, diversity, and inclusion are vital to healthcare and CMPA has a responsibility to help mitigate bias and inequity in the services we provide and in our own workplace," stated Dr. Lisa Calder, CEO. Compensating patients When it's proven that negligent care has occurred, both doctors and their patients can be confident that the CMPA is there to provide appropriate compensation that reflects the long-term care needs of patients and their families. "In 2024, CMPA paid $322 million in compensation to patients proven harmed by negligent care, paid on behalf of members," said Dr. Birinder Singh, CMPA President. "Over the last 10 years, the Association has paid $2.5 billion in compensation to patients." Enhancing and promoting safe medical care Over the past year, the Association supported members with expert peer-to-peer guidance over 54,000 times, on the phone and online and delivered 300 learning events across Canada, attended by 13,150 Canadian physicians, allied healthcare professionals, and stakeholders. CMPA's Member Support Program provides personalized support and educational advice with demonstrable impacts on patient safety. "We're extremely proud of the Member Support Program, 96% of physician members surveyed took steps to improve their practice, and 100% of members who received coaching said there was a positive impact on their well-being." said Dr. Calder. About the CMPA CMPA empowers better healthcare by delivering efficient, high-quality physician-to-physician advice and assistance in medico-legal matters. Importantly, the CMPA provides appropriate compensation, on behalf of our members, to patients proven to be injured by negligent medical care (fault in Québec). Our peer-reviewed research results in evidence-based products and services focused on enhancing patient safety and reducing patient harm. As Canada's largest physician organization and with the support of our more than 117,000 physician members, the CMPA collaborates, advocates, and effects positive change on important healthcare related medico-legal issues. The Association is governed by an elected Council of physicians.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
How a visa hold could deepen the US doctor shortage this residency season
Why international medical graduates are stuck as US visa freeze threatens residency season. (AI Image) A recent visa appointment freeze by the Trump administration has placed hundreds of international medical graduates (IMGs) in uncertainty, just weeks before many are expected to begin US residency programs. The pause affects all new visa appointments, leaving many newly-matched doctors at risk of missing their start dates. The freeze, aimed at revising vetting procedures to include social media checks, was announced by the US State Department. According to Forbes, this sudden halt impacts thousands of students, teachers, and exchange visitors. However, IMGs are particularly vulnerable, as most US medical residencies begin in July and require interns to be present in June for orientation. Residency programs depend on foreign-trained doctors According to the American Medical Association, about 25% of practicing doctors in the US were educated in foreign medical schools. These IMGs are required to complete a US residency before receiving a license to practice. In March's 'main residency match,' 37,677 medical graduates were placed into first-year jobs, of which 6,653 were foreign-born graduates of non-US medical schools, based on data from the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), as reported by Forbes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Premium Apartments by Signature Global Signature Global Book Now Undo An additional 3,108 matched graduates were US citizens who studied abroad. The visa freeze affects the J-1 visa, which is commonly issued to IMGs for training and education purposes. While many have secured their visa appointments, an estimated 5%—over 300 incoming doctors—have not, said Zain Abdin, a Chicago-based physician and IMG, as quoted by Forbes. These doctors now face the risk of missing the start of their training. A pause with real consequences Hospitals rely heavily on interns—first-year residents—to provide supervised patient care. Missing even a few weeks of training can put IMG positions at risk, and leave hospitals understaffed. According to Forbes, the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), which supports IMGs, is seeking an exception for physicians during the freeze. The ECFMG also warned current residents not to leave the country, as re-entry could be denied during the pause. Some IMGs have spoken out about their concerns. 'We are stuck and we are helpless,' said one IMG matched to a Texas medical center, in a message to Sebastian Arruarana, a resident physician and social media influencer focused on IMG issues, as quoted by Forbes. Their orientation had already started in early June. Another newly matched resident said, 'I just got matched on May 23 after so many challenges and against all odds,' but had yet to secure a visa appointment. Some states may be hit harder than others While large states like New York and Florida received the most foreign medical residents this year—1,592 and 698 respectively, according to NRMP data reported by Forbes—smaller, rural states rely on IMGs even more. In states like North Dakota, Wyoming, and Arkansas, IMGs made up 38%, 33%, and 32% of incoming residents respectively. As the visa freeze continues with no confirmed end date, hospitals and foreign doctors are left in a holding pattern, with serious consequences for patient care and the US medical system. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
