Abstract
CONTEXT: Physicians who migrate globally face a daunting series of time-consuming, labor- and resource-intensive procedures to prove their clinical competency before being allowed to practice medicine in a new country. ISSUES: In this commentary, we describe licensing barriers faced by physician-migrants based on the authors' experiences, and reflect also on rapidly implemented measures to address COVID-19 pandemic related workforce shortages. We offer recommendations for potential reductions in bureaucratic regulatory barriers that prohibit mobilization of international medical graduate talent. LESSONS LEARNED: Licensing boards and authorities should strive for standardized, competency-based basic professional recognition. Professional medical societies are well-positioned to guide such competency-based recognition as a more organized, international collaborative effort across specialties. The COVID-19 pandemic facilitated cross-state and international licensing in some regions, highlighting a key opportunity: streamlining professional recognition requirements is achievable.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 6027 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Rural and Remote Health |
Volume | 20 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Sept 2020 |
Keywords
- brain drain
- credentialing
- international medical graduates
- licensure
- medical education
- mentorship
- physician migration
- professional recognition
- sponsorship
- MEDICINE