The False Hope of Becoming a Neuropsychologist. A Call for Action!

Abstract

Abstract The Problem According to the Census Bureau, the number of immigrants living in the US will increase to 69 million by 2060. Unfortunately, the number of international neuropsychologists who practice in the U.S. is behind in terms of this expected shift in the population. This is not due to a lack of interest - as many international students are accepted into neuropsychology doctoral programs each year. However, the acquisition of appropriate postdoctoral training proves to be a significant challenge. In general, the required two-year postdoctoral positions in neuropsychology are competitive, as they should be; however, international students are at a remarkable disadvantage. They cannot stay in the U.S. without a sponsor for a visa after a year of graduating, thus placing them in a disadvantaged state to secure a neuropsychology postdoctoral position. The Impact Given the projected population changes, neuropsychological assessments will have to be adjusted, new norms will need to be collected, and providers who speak non-English languages will be in higher demand. International neuropsychologists contribute to the field of neuropsychology through the addition of cultural competence, the enrichment in our understanding of cognition across racial and ethnic groups, and the development and selection of tests from a different perspective. In addition, they strengthen research pursuits, increase access to high-quality healthcare service to minorities, and provide quality service to non-English speaking patients. Finally, they can disseminate quality neuropsychological services throughout the world. Call for Action We encourage all neuropsychologists to create an action plan to support international students. There are many ways in which this could be accomplished: advocate to your human resource department to sponsor international students, educate yourself on the barriers and the process of sponsoring a work/training visa, and assist international students in strengthening their training experience with research, authorship, and collaboration.