Hi Dr Hsieh!
I feel so much lucky that I joined the right platform !!
My voice should be heard !
I am an old IMG, but I was not old when I came to the United States. I completed my hospital training in Pakistan in 2015 and came to the U.S. right after graduation with dreams of continuing my medical career. I had already worked in Pakistan hospitals, treated patients, assisted deliveries,did blood transfusions and practiced medicine with dedication and responsibility. But after coming to the United States, I realized that the biggest challenge was not medicine — it was the system.
I even wrote a letter to the Governor of Virginia, but due to federal drawbacks, my letter was never truly heard. In that letter, I asked a simple question: if America is facing a physician shortage, then why are qualified doctors already living in the U.S. — especially U.S. citizen IMGs — not being utilized?
There are so many doctors in this country who do not need H-1B visas, sponsorships, or immigration processing. Many female physicians become homemakers because they cannot afford daycare or lack support systems while preparing for USMLE exams. Many male physicians are driving Uber or doing survival jobs just to support their families. These are not incapable people. These are trained physicians whose careers became delayed because of life circumstances, financial struggles, family responsibilities, and the extremely difficult pathway created for IMGs.
The system itself creates “old graduates.” We were not old when we arrived. We became old graduates while trying to survive within this pathway.
I am not saying exams should be removed. Licensing standards are important. Doctors should pass exams before receiving independent licenses. But why can’t these physicians at least be allowed to work, train, or practice under supervision while completing their pathway? Medicine is ultimately a practice. Skills grow with exposure and patient care.
During COVID-19, emergency systems expanded roles due to physician shortages, yet thousands of qualified IMGs already living in America continue struggling outside the healthcare system. Many are stuck in endless cycles of exam pressure, research requirements, matching filters, and score competition. Meanwhile, American graduates can often remain within the system despite multiple attempts, but IMGs are expected to achieve extremely high scores just to be considered.
What is the true purpose of turning experienced physicians into frustrated outsiders?
What is the real difference between a fresh graduate and an old graduate if both can be trained and supervised? Medicine does not disappear with age. Experience matters. Dedication matters. Practice matters.
This is now my campaign and my voice:
The biggest wastage of physicians in the United States is the neglect of IMGs already living here.
I may personally feel that I am standing at zero today, uncertain about my own future in the U.S. medical system, but I still want to advocate for IMGs. I want debate and reform around these pathways. I want opportunities for physicians already residing in America to come forward, train, work, and contribute to the healthcare system instead of being trapped in endless barriers.
If there is ever an opportunity for me to contribute, participate in discussions, or help any board or organization working toward IMG reform and alternative pathways, I would sincerely love to help.
Regards:
Nadra Joshi