Security-related delays, worries continue to plague IMGs

However, the most recent data showed some improvement in the number of first-year residents who arrived at their programs on time.

By Myrle Croasdale, AMNews staff. Aug. 8, 2005.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, foreign-born international medical graduates, particularly male Muslim physicians, have found themselves among those under increased scrutiny, as the United States seeks to keep terrorists at bay.

The July bombings in London emphasized the importance of heightened security measures, but many IMGs and U.S.-trained physicians are concerned that sluggish security checks are continuing to hinder residents' training and hobble resident programs.

Abdul Rashid Piracha, MD, president of the Assn. of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America, said despite slight improvements, delays remain significant.

"For some reason, physicians coming from Pakistan are having the most difficulties," even when compared with physicians entering the United States from other Muslim nations, Dr. Piracha said.

"They're not getting visas at the embassy level in Pakistan. When they do, they then have trouble with security clearance," he said.

The result for many IMGs is that they are missing deadlines to take the U.S. clinical skills test, interview for residencies and arrive for residencies. Even those who have lived in the United States for years could find their practices put in jeopardy if they travel outside the country.

Statistics from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates show some improvements. In 2004-05, 288 of the 1,309 IMGs coming for their first year of residency on a J-1 visa were late. In 2003-04, 404 of the 1,133 IMGs sponsored by the ECFMG had missed their start dates.