The International Medical Scholars Program: purpose and potential

Among medical leaders in other countries, there is a general perception that it is difficult at present for their citizens to get graduate medical education in the United States. In response to concern that current U.S. policies may be negatively affecting opportunities for international medical education, a task force recommendation of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education led to the founding of a managing structure through which to develop the International Medical Scholars Program (IMSP). IMSP is described as an organization that will be able to provide tailored opportunities for high-quality education, centralized matching, planning, and evaluation; certificates for recognition of program completion; mechanisms to ensure the return of participants to their home countries; and a system to record the careers of IMSP graduates in their home countries. Proposed eligibility requirements for foreign medical graduates and selection criteria for U.S. institutions are discussed, along with obligations and requirements of program participants, program content, and the recognition for completion of IMSP programs. Administrative considerations also are presented, including IMSP financing and evaluation plans.