Tag: International Medical Graduates
How States Are Opening Their Own Pathways to Occupational Licensure
In the United States, key regulated industries like education, engineering, and health care face significant labor shortages that are predicted to deepen in the coming years. Experts in the health care area alone project a shortfall of over 900,000 nurses by 2030 and up to 86,000 physicians by 2036 as the country’s population ages and […]
How a New York Bill Would Allow Internationally Trained Physicians to Practice
In 2009, Dr. Islam moved to New York City from Bangladesh. Straightaway, he was struck by the lack of opportunities to work in medicine or in a health care role that made use of his skills and experience. Despite graduating from one of the top medical schools in Bangladesh and working there as a physician, he became […]
How Two Immigrant-Led Organizations Are Harnessing an Opportunity to Create a More Inclusive Health Care Workforce
The United States faces growing health care workforce shortages, which are only expected to increase in the coming decade with projections estimating a national shortfall of over 900,000 nurses and up to 124,000 physicians by the year 2030. To address this issue, analysts and policymakers have begun looking to immigrants and refugees with health […]
Driving Systemic Change: New Oregon Bill Would Open Pathway to Practice for Internationally Trained Immigrants
Forced to flee Myanmar because of political persecution, Win Mar Lar Kyin eventually resettled in Oregon, leaving her family behind. Since then systemic barriers, including the lack of recognition of international credentials, have prevented Win from resuming her career as a primary care physician—despite having 12 years of experience practicing medicine in Myanmar. “With my […]
Inclusive Career Pathways for Immigrant and Refugee Women: Building Stronger Communities Through Equitable Opportunities
A confident woman with a radiant smile, Arlene Mora-Rausseo describes her journey from working as a surgeon in Venezuela to arriving in the United States as a refugee. Born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, Arlene credits her mother with helping her excel in school and college. In 1993, she graduated from medical school at the University of […]
New Massachusetts Report Promotes Inclusion of Internationally Trained Health Workers
Born in Panama and educated in Brazil, Elisa Tristan-Cheever was the youngest graduate in her medical school class of 1989 and one of the first female hospital residents specializing in urology in Brazil. Over 11 years as a practicing surgeon in Brazil, she served patients in remote clinics and large hospitals. Fluent in three languages, […]
New Maryland Legislation Promises Reform for Health Care Workforce
Over the past several decades, staffing shortfalls have imposed dramatic negative effects on Maryland’s health care system, including increased hospital readmission and higher mortality rates among patients. But new legislation in Maryland may offer some hope. States Face Critical Health Care Shortages Statistics confirm Maryland’s current health care shortages: In 2020, the state had only […]
How a Network of Immigrant & Refugee Doctors Opened Pathways to Practice in Washington State
As the IMPRINT coalition welcomes new member organizations, WES Global Talent Bridge is publishing a series of blog posts that highlight the critical work and unique perspectives of this dynamic network. Mohamed Khalif is founder of the Washington Academy for International Medical Graduates (WAIMG), a non-profit that supports the efforts of international medical graduates (IMGs) […]
Breaking Barriers for Internationally Trained Immigrants and Refugees in Regulated Professions
“Building Momentum for a New Decade,” the 2020 Immigrant Economic Integration Virtual Summit hosted by WES Global Talent Bridge, featured state and local practitioners, immigrant and refugee leaders, and policymakers committed to advancing the academic and economic mobility of immigrants and refugees in the United States. In light of critical shortages in regulated professions exacerbated […]
Growing Our IMPRINT Coalition, Deepening Our Impact
As the IMPRINT coalition expands to welcome new member organizations, WES Global Talent Bridge is featuring a series of blog posts that highlight the critical work and unique perspectives of this dynamic network. José Ramón Fernández-Peña, MD, MPA, is director of Health Professions Advising at Northwestern University and president of the American Public Health Association. […]
COVID-19 Response: An Update on Addressing the Underutilized Skills of Canada’s Internationally Educated Health Professionals
While the pandemic is highlighting challenges in Canada’s health and long-term care (LTC) systems, it is also shining a light on the thousands of internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs) who are licensed to practice in other countries but are unable to fully contribute their skills, education, and experience in Canada. Since last spring, WES has been working with many partners to raise awareness of the deep disconnect between the underutilization of IEHP talent and the needs of Canada’s health and LTC systems. WES has been convening with IEHPs and system stakeholders to develop and advocate for structural and policy changes that can create more access for immigrants and […]