During International Medical Graduate (IMG) Physicians Recognition Week, Oct. 19-23, 2026, AMA honors and celebrates IMG physicians who are a vital component of the physician workforce and the AMA.
IMG physicians play a critical role in the delivery of healthcare services. Having a disruption to the flow of IMGs who practice medicine in the U. S. would cause a tremendous change in medicine and affect the lives of patients.
Join us and participate in IMG Recognition Week by showing the value of your IMG physicians.
The AMA is the IMGs' powerful ally
The AMA helps physicians build a better future for medicine, advocating in the courts and on the Hill to remove obstacles to patient care and confront today’s greatest health crises.
- Learn more about AMA's IMG advocacy
- AMA sent several letters to the administration and other federal entities to expedite visa processing and reduce the barriers and hindrances for IMGs practicing medicine in the U.S.
- Expedited permanent residence: The AMA supports a separate, viable, and expedited pathway for physicians to get permanent residence in the U.S.
- H-1B visa fee exemptions: The AMA pushes the federal government to exempt physicians from unreasonable increases in H-1B visa fees.
- The AMA warned the Trump Administration that the $103,000 fee for H-1B visa petitions would result in “devastating consequences” for healthcare access throughout the country.
- The AMA has repeatedly urged the administration to exempt physicians from H-1B fee increases. In September 2025, the AMA and 53 national medical societies called on (PDF) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to exempt physicians, residents and fellows from the six-figure fee proposed by a presidential proclamation. In June 2026, the AMA applauded a federal court decision blocking the higher visa fee for physicians. The AMA also supports bipartisan legislation that would exempt physicians and other health professionals from the fee imposed by the presidential proclamation. View the letter to the DHS (PDF).
- Dedicated visa pathway: The AMA advocated for creating a dedicated, specialized visa pathway exclusively for physicians.
- AMA provided resources regarding subsidies, visa processing/delays, visas affecting families, unlicensed physicians in the U.S., current physicians practicing medicine and licensing examinations.
2026 IMG Recognition Week webinar
Lift, lead and advocate
Participate in our upcoming engaging webinar, “Lift, Lead and Advocate," Wednesday, Oct. 21, 7-9 p.m. Central. Prominent IMG physicians will discuss their journey to becoming a physician and excelling in medical society and organizational leadership positions. You will also learn how to advocate on policy issues.
Speakers
- Catherine Apaloo, MD, senior vice president, Intealth and Chief IMG experience officer
- Farzana Hoque, MD, MSHA, MRCP, associate professor of medicine, acting internship co-director, Saint Louis University School of Medicine
- Deepak Kumar, MD, former AMA IMGS Governing Council member/ HOD delegate for Ohio
Moderator
- Satheesh Katula, MD, IMGS Governing Council
Registration
Registration is now open. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Questions, email [email protected].
Additional resources
Learn more about the U.S. clinical experience opportunities for IMGs and how the AMA advocates for IMG physicians.
- "Did you know?" Learn more facts about IMG physicians (PDF)
- IMGs overcome barriers to offer critically needed care
- How IMGs can overcome challenges in U.S. residency training
- Q&A: How IMGs overcome big barriers to practice medicine in U.S.
Become a member
Are you currently in a U.S. residency program or are you ECFMG-certified and waiting to match into a U.S. residency program (GME position)? Join now.
