The Fraught Path to Residency for International Medical Graduates

Background: International medical school graduates (IMGs) are a vital part of the physician workforce in the United States helping to combat the ongoing physician shortage. The Association of American Medical Colleges reported that 42.3% of hospitalists were IMGs, physicians that also comprise a significant part of primary care physicians in rural underserved areas. Students in a gray area of immigration statuses such as those in DACA or those that have lived in the US for years waiting to attain citizenship are automatically considered “international students” and have typically received less residency interviews, and have had a harder time matching into their preferred specialties. Methods: A literature review was conducted on PubMed, Match A Resident, myVisajobs, InfoLearners, Residency Programs List, Guide to U.S. Immigration for Physicians and Scientists, and IMGPrep for the current data regarding residency matches within the United States. Results: Many residency programs will not give first preference to IMGs as spots for residencies are limited within the match cycle. An average residency program is a minimum of 3 years, and depending on visa subtype international residents typically have to re-apply or extend their visas, a process that takes time, and money as well as a willing residency to host and assist with the application. Conclusion: It would be worthwhile to advocate for policy change that would increase the total number of residency spots available for US and international Medical school graduates. This would increase opportunities for both parties while reducing competition among students applying for residencies.