Bridging the Healthcare Gap: The Critical Importance of International Medical Graduates in the US

Authors

  • Travis Satnarine

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56570/jimgs.v2i1.73

Keywords:

International Medical Graduates, physician shortage, diversity, cultural competence, patient satisfaction, patient outcomes, medical research

Abstract

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) contribute to addressing the physician shortage gap, especially in underserved areas. They also bring cultural competence and understanding to the healthcare system, improve patient satisfaction and outcomes, and advance medical knowledge through their diverse experiences and knowledge. Additionally, IMGs support the United States (US) economy through their contributions via taxes, spending, and revenue generation for healthcare institutions. Overall, IMGs play a vital role in enhancing the US healthcare system and are essential in areas where there is a lack of physicians.

References

New AAMC report confirms growing physician shortage. AAMC. https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/press-releases/new-aamc-report-confirms-growing-physician-shortage. Published June 26, 2020. Accessed March 9, 2023.

How IMGs have changed the face of American Medicine. American Medical Association. https://www.ama-assn.org/education/international-medical-education/how-imgs-have-changed-face-american-medicine. Published October 19, 2021. Accessed March 9, 2023.

Murillo Zepeda C, Alcalá Aguirre FO, Luna Landa EM, Reyes Güereque EN, Rodríguez García GP, Diaz Montoya LS. Challenges for International Medical Graduates in the US Graduate Medical Education and Health Care System Environment: A Narrative Review. Cureus. 2022;14(7):e27351. Published 2022 Jul 27. doi:10.7759/cureus.27351

John J. Norcini, Marta van Zanten, John R. Boulet. The contribution of international medical graduates to diversity in the U.S. physician workforce: Graduate Medical Education. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved. 2008;19(2):493-499. doi:10.1353/hpu.0.0015

Gomez LE, Bernet P. Diversity improves performance and outcomes. Journal of the National Medical Association. 2019;111(4):383-392. doi:10.1016/j.jnma.2019.01.006

Cohen JJ. The role and contributions of IMGs: a U.S. perspective. Acad Med. 2006;81(12 Suppl):S17-S21. doi:10.1097/01.ACM.0000243339.63320.98

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Published

2023-05-04

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

1.
Satnarine T. Bridging the Healthcare Gap: The Critical Importance of International Medical Graduates in the US. Journal For International Medical Graduates. 2023;2(1). doi:10.56570/jimgs.v2i1.73