International Medical Graduates

Supporting International Medical Graduates at Every Stage

The American Medical Women’s Association has an active, growing community of International Medical Graduates (IMGs). We recognize the valuable contributions that IMGs bring to the United States’ patient care workforce and want to provide a network of support and resources for IMGs as you seek to practice medicine.

Whether you are an IMG just starting on your journey, a practicing physician who began your career as an IMG, or even a physician who is ready to help mentor IMGs, we hope that you will participate in this effort. IMGs who have not yet completed a U.S. residency can join AMWA as a postgraduate member. The code: IMG gives 15% off first time membership. Join here.

IMGs in the U.S.

According to the American Medical Association, IMGs represented approximately 25% of licensed physicians in the United States (AMA, 2024). The percentage is even higher within certain specialties, like internal medicine, pediatrics, family medicine and psychiatry, though IMGs remain underrepresented in leadership and within medical associations. This Pathway to Medical Licensure in the United States published by the Federation of State Medical Boards provides a good overview of the different tracks for medical training.

The number of women IMGs has continued to rise, though this particular group often faces additional challenges. These challenges may include domestic responsibilities or lack of childcare support in addition to the traditional barriers that many IMG’s encounter — limited networks, difficulties in obtaining U.S. Clinical Experience (USCE), and the penalty that comes from taking “too many” gap years.

Graduate Medical Education and ECFMG Certification

Graduate medical education is the training that follows medical school and includes both residency and fellowship training in programs accredited by the ACGME (Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education).

To be eligible for applying to ACGME accredited residencies or fellowships, IMGs must be certified by the ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates). Learn more about ECFMG Certification Pathyways. The ECFMG also has specific ERAS® (Electronic Residency Application Service®) Support Services to help graduates in the electronic residency application process.

Guides & Workbooks

Path to US Medical Residence

A comprehensive “how to” guide based on personal experience.

Download

Advancing in Neurology Research

AMWA IMG NMatch2024 Research Tips Guide

Download

Observerships for IMGs

AMWA members – download our new workbook for Observerships

Download

Visas & Other Documents Required for Work in the U.S.

There are different types of non-immigrant and immigrant visas that IMGs may choose from in order to pursue residency training in the United States. Information about these options is available from the AMA here: Immigration Information for International Medical Graduates. Learn more about the following U.S. Visas here:  B1/B2 Visa, J-1 Visa, H-1B Visa, H-4 Visa, Immigrant Visa.* Individuals who have applied for asylum may apply for permission to work in the United States a year after they file their asylum application. In 2025, an additional $100,000 fee was implemented for H-1B Visa applications.

*This list should be used as reference only and may be subject to change. Please visit governmental websites for additional information.

Building Experience in the U.S. Healthcare System

There are many ways for IMGs to strengthen their applications for a residency position as they pursue continuation of their medical training in the U.S. Clinical opportunities (clerkships, observerships, or externships) are important for IMG’s to gain clinical experience in the U.S. Yet finding these opportunities can be challenging. Clerkships are rotations undertaken as a medical student, while observerships and externships are shadowing experiences and hands-on experience respectively.

Many hospitals have established observership programs, but IMGs have also made their own contacts within the healthcare system to set up individual rotations. The American Medical Association (AMA) maintains a list of Observership Program Listings for International Medical Graduates.

IMGs may take on clinical positions in the U.S. while they are completing the necessary examinations and certification to apply for residency programs. These positions often enable them to gain relevant U.S. clinical experience and support themselves and their families. For example, as trained physicians (some have even completed residencies in their home country), IMGs can often readily gain certification as an medical assistant or surgical technician in most states. IMGs may also pursue research to develop expertise in specific areas. Research networks can be a valuable way to advance scholarly work.

Mentorship

One of the greatest challenges that non-U.S. IMGs face upon arrival to the United States is the lack of mentorship. Professional networking for many may begin in college and medical school, and this can represent a disadvantage for those who leave their home country after graduation. Access to mentorship is vital to help bridge the gap between IMGs and U.S. graduates and helps IMGs obtain access to guidance, sponsorships, and opportunities to successfully integrate into the American healthcare system.

Leadership

Farzana Hoque, MD, MRCP, FACP, FRCP

Chair

Yazmin Heredia, MD

Observership Subcommittee Leader

Andrea Mendez, MD, PhD

Research Subcommittee Leader

Mayver Gonzalez, MD

Education Subcommittee Leader

Andrea Anampa-Guzmán, MD

Social Media Subcommittee Leader

Raquel Horowitz, MD

Support for IMGs in Residency Subcommittee Leader