Working group 4: International medical graduates and the cardiology workforce

Abstract

International medical graduates (IMGs) are physicians in practice or in post-graduate training in the U.S. who graduated from medical school outside the U.S., Puerto Rico, or Canada. Although many IMGs are foreign-born and are here on special visas (e.g., J-1 or H), a significant number are U.S.-born citizens and permanent residents who graduated from medical school in another country. Over the years, IMGs have been very important contributors to the science and practice of medicine in the U.S. During the past quarter-century they have filled the large gap between the number of U.S. medical graduates and the number of residency positions and subsequent opportunities in private practice and academic medicine. Several changes in licensing examinations and immigration laws have occurred over the past few years, however, that have potential impact on the contribution of IMGs to our nation's physician workforce. The present document examines the current status and future prospects of IMGs in cardiology training and practice in the U.S.