A visa appointment freeze by the Trump administration is delaying hundreds of international medical graduates (IMGs) from starting US residencies, worsening the country’s physician shortage. Affected IMGs risk losing positions as most programs begin in June and July. The J-1 visa hold impacts over 300 doctors, according to Forbes. Hospitals, especially in rural states, may face staffing issues. The ECFMG is pushing for a physician exemption, but no resolution has been announced yet.How a visa hold could deepen the US doctor shortage this residency season
A visa appointment freeze by the Trump administration is delaying hundreds of international medical graduates (IMGs) from starting US residencies, worsening the country’s physician shortage. Affected IMGs risk losing positions as most programs begin in June and July. The J-1 visa hold impacts over 300 doctors, according to Forbes. Hospitals, especially in rural states, may face staffing issues. The ECFMG is pushing for a physician exemption, but no resolution has been announced yet.