Journal-based CME Course: International Medical Graduates and the Physician Workforce

Activity ID

13645

Expires

July 15, 2027

Format Type

Journal-based

CME Credit

1

Fee

$30

CME Provider: JAMA

Description of CME Course

Importance  Physician shortages and the geographic maldistribution of general and specialist physicians impair health care delivery and worsen health inequity in the US. International medical graduates (IMGs) represent a potential solution given their ready supply.

Observations  Despite extensive clinical experience, evidence of competence, and willingness to practice in underserved communities, IMGs experience multiple barriers to entry in the US, including the immigration process, the pathways available for certification and licensing, and institutional reluctance to consider non–US-trained candidates. International medical graduates applying to postgraduate training programs compare favorably with US-trained candidates in terms of clinical experience, prior formal postgraduate training, and research, but have higher application withdrawal rates and significantly lower residency and fellowship match rates, a disparity that may be exacerbated by the recent elimination of objective performance metrics, such as the US Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 score. Once legally in the US, IMGs encounter additional obstacles to board eligibility, research funding, and career progression.

Conclusions and Relevance  International medical graduates offer a viable and available solution to bridge the domestic physician supply gap, while improving workforce diversity and meaningfully addressing the public health implications of geographic maldistribution of general and specialist physicians, without disrupting existing physician stature and salaries. The US remains unable to integrate IMGs until systematic policy changes at the national level are implemented.

Disclaimers

1. This activity is accredited by the American Medical Association.
2. This activity is free to AMA members.

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