1 Survey of International Medical Graduates 2007

2 Methodology Members survey to 767 valid addresses Response rate = 15.4% (n=118) Non-members Paper survey to 821 non-members Incentive to join MMS Response rate = 4.8% (n=39) New members = 17

3 Results

4 Q1 In what year did you obtain your ECFMG certificate?

5 Q2 Where did you complete your residency training?

6 Q3 In what year did your first obtain your medical license in the US?

7 Q3b In what state did you first obtain your full medical license?

8 Q4 Are you able to work in the area of medicine that you originally hoped to work in?

9 4a. If no, what are the barriers? General Categories: Could not get into the residency program because of visa/ immigration status Financial pressures Many cultural biases and racial discrimination issues Waiver Visa Family ties Foreign graduates were not accepted to surgical professions in late 80s Credentialing issues I trained to do consultation liaison psychiatry. I do not go to any hospital now - much politics involved IMGs were not welcome at surgical programs (general surgery)

10 Q5 Would you choose to come to the US to practice medicine again?

11 Q6 Do you believe there is discrimination against International Medical Graduates in the US?

12 Q7 Have you encountered discrimination in your workplace at any time?

13 7a. If yes, please describe briefly: General Categories: View international medical schools as less quality Little respect from hospital administration Discrimination from patients and other physicians Overloaded with work due to visa dependency Not accepted into residency/fellowship program Promotion withheld/lack of advancement Gender based discrimination Communication/language/cultural barriers

14 Q8 Would you advise a recent IMG to come to the US to practice medicine?

15 Q9 Have you assisted IMGs in coming to the US?

What are your main reasons for not being a member of the MMS? (asked only of non-members) General Categories: Time limitations Unclear about the benefits of joining or knowledge of MMS NEJM online Too expensive Belong to AMA and/or national specialty society MMS doesn’t represent IMG physicians well Career stage (early/late) Feel that issues concerning me aren’t important to MMS Just joining…good society to be in

17 What topics would you like the MMS to address regarding IMGs? General Categories: Cultural issues – to understand American way of life, work, and education Language – assist with improving English language and communication Mentoring opportunities – to learn from experienced IMGs Public Relations – to show that IMGs are no different than domestically trained physicians Residency – assist with process to become legal residents Licensing, credentialing & employment – assist with processes Reimbursement & financial – help with low reimbursements and financial assistance

18 Q11 How can the MMS be helpful to IMGs? General Categories: Mentoring – to help with adjusting to American way of life Advocacy – to eliminate discrimination at all levels Employment – provide assistance in directing IMGs to employers Respect and recognition – by educating colleagues and patients that IMGs are comparable to domestically trained physicians Peer group meetings and networking (state-wide) to address cultural barriers Legal issues – residency status, licensing process Encourage sponsoring working visas for IMGs

19 What educational programs would you like the MMS to focus on for the IMG community? General Categories: Ethics in American culture American approach to medicine Business of medicine: coding/billing and practice start up Financial planning Language and communication Career development/interviewing techniques, preparation for tests Health disparities

20 What types of events would you be most interested in the MMS offering? General Categories: Networking and Peer Support – intergenerational events Social Events – weekends, at annual meetings, and other established events Career seminars and job fairs Leadership development Educational seminars and lectures

21 Please add any additional comments or advice on how the MMS can better serve IMGs. General Categories: Don’t overplay the issue – IMGs are comparable to domestically trained physicians and are not different Reduce yearly dues – costs can be prohibitive Meet with IMGs early on to get to know them and learn their issues (within first 2 years) Social/cultural buddy program, mentoring, networking opportunities Employment assistance

22 Respondent Demographics

23 Gender

24 Age Groups

25 How would you describe your employment status?

26 If you checked "Employed" above, please indicate your primary type of employer.

27 How would you best characterize your (main) practice?

28 Respondent Demographics