The need of community health centers for international medical graduates

Abstract

Objectives. This study sought to determine whether community health centers need international medical graduates to fill staff positions. Methods. The authors surveyed 100 community health center administrators to learn about their perceptions of international medical graduates. Results. Nationally, about one quarter of community health centers depend on international medical graduates to fill physician vacancies; most of these centers foresee unfilled positions in the event of a cutback. Conclusions. Policies calling for a national reduction in the supply of international medical graduates need to be balanced by an understanding of these individuals' role in reducing local physician shortages.