Easing requirements for foreign-trained physicians
In response to physician shortages, particularly in rural areas, at least nine U.S. states have amended licensing requirements since 2023 to facilitate the integration of internationally trained doctors into the healthcare workforce. These changes allow certain foreign-trained physicians to obtain full medical licenses without repeating U.S. residency programs, which were previously mandatory regardless of their overseas experience. Proponents argue that these adjustments can expedite the entry of qualified doctors into underserved regions, addressing critical healthcare gaps. However, some stakeholders express concerns about patient safety and question the efficacy of these measures in resolving the broader physician shortage. States implementing these reforms include Florida, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.