In a response to medical personnel shortages, the US is easing licensing for internationally trained physicians, with at least nine states eliminating the need to repeat residency programs locally since 2023. Supporters hope this could help meet demand in rural areas, while critics question the potential impact on patient safety. Meanwhile, the termination of the…

A growing number of states are changing legislation to make it easier for foreign-trained doctors to gain medical licenses, among them Florida, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin. This development is believed to help tackle shortages in physicians, particularly in rural areas. Currently, about one-quarter of doctors practicing in the US were…

1. To address the doctor shortages particularly in rural areas, a growing number of states are easing licensing for foreign-trained physicians. The changes involve medical residencies, which traditionally required foreign-trained doctors to repeat once in the U.S. before obtaining a full medical license. However, since 2023, nine states have eliminated this requirement for doctors with…

In response to physician shortage crises in rural areas, a rising number of US states are making it easier for internationally trained doctors to gain medical licenses. Regulations surrounding residency programs are a particular focus. Previously, foreign-trained physicians were required to undertake residency or equivalent training in the US before receiving a full medical license.…

1. To address doctor shortages in rural areas, several U.S. states are relaxing licensing requirements for foreign-trained doctors. Until recently, physicians who undertook their residency abroad had to repeat it in the U.S. to obtain a full medical license. However, at least nine states, irrespective of political leaning, have scrapped this requirement since 2023, in…