International Medical Graduates (IMGs) have become an indispensable part of the Graduate Medical Education (GME) and Health System (HCS) workforce in the United States. They bring a unique diversity to the healthcare system, eliminating cultural and language barriers to health care. However, after arriving in Canada or returning from international medical schools, most IMGs feel that they do not have enough educational support. The initial step in career planning for IMGs involves making professional decisions before emigrating to Canada to pursue a professional training course, or before leaving Canada to attend international medical schools.
During this phase, it is important to research the websites of numerous medical schools in the United States to determine if they accept international applications and if international students are eligible for any type of financial aid, including institutional loans. The AAMC website provides information on how many international students were accepted to medical school in a given year. To help IMGs with their career planning, there are specific resources available such as webinars, personalized spreadsheets in Excel format on medical schools that accept international students and their respective financial aid policies, and links to private institutions that provide loans to entities outside of New York University. These resources can assist IMGs in making informed decisions about their future. Continuing education and professional support for IMGs is essential for their professional development and should be a priority area for policymakers. After arriving in Canada, educational resources for unparalleled international medical graduates are scarce.
It is important for IMGs to have access to continuing education opportunities such as obtaining degrees and certificates for professional advancement, meeting the continuing education requirements of a profession, and attending liberal arts courses. In conclusion, unparalleled international medical graduates could constitute a vital pool of qualified medical professionals to provide services to the community, especially during public health crises. For international students graduating from a health professions school in the United States, the decision to remain in this country or return to their home country is a personal one. It is essential for IMGs to have access to continuing education opportunities so they can make informed decisions about their future.
