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Published on: February 12, 2021
International medical graduates and the cardiology workforce
John B Kostis1, Busharat Ahmad
1UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903-0019, USA. kostis@umdnj.edu
Insights
A projected shortage of cardiologists may be addressed by international medical graduates (IMGs). IMGs face challenges but contribute significantly to U.S. cardiology, raising questions about immigration policy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Workforce Analysis
- Healthcare Policy
Background:
- Recent publications indicate a worsening shortage of cardiologists.
- Projections show both increasing demand and diminishing supply in cardiology.
- International medical graduates (IMGs) are proposed as a solution to the projected shortage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the projected shortage of cardiologists in the U.S.
- To evaluate the role and challenges of international medical graduates (IMGs) in cardiology.
- To explore the implications for U.S. immigration policy regarding medical professionals.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent publications and projections on cardiologist supply and demand.
- Analysis of challenges faced by IMGs in U.S. cardiology practice.
- Discussion of the potential impact of IMGs on addressing workforce shortages.
Main Results:
- A growing shortage of cardiologists is projected.
- IMGs face significant hurdles in clinical practice, language, and cultural integration.
- Despite challenges, IMGs have made substantial contributions to U.S. cardiology.
Conclusions:
- IMGs are a potential solution to the projected cardiologist shortage.
- Addressing challenges faced by IMGs is crucial for their successful integration.
- The necessity of changes in U.S. immigration policy for addressing cardiologist shortages remains an open question.
Abstract:
Recent publications have expressed the view that there is a shortage of cardiologists and it is growing worse. Both an increasing demand and a diminishing supply of cardiologists have been projected. An increase in the number of international medical graduates (IMGs) who enter cardiology practice has been proposed as a remedy for a projected shortage. The IMGs have to overcome challenges including clinical practice, language proficiency, and cultural differences before they are incorporated into the fabric of U.S. cardiology. With hard work, perseverance, excellence,compassionate care and support and mentoring, many have contributed to scientific and clinical cardiology in the U.S. Whether in the absence of a present crisis the projected shortage of cardiologists necessitates change in U.S. immigration policy is an open question.
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