Concerted efforts by Foreign Medical Graduates (FMG) in U.S.A. showed bright outcomes, when American Medical Association (AMA) Board of Trustees recommended ten the formation of special section in its House of Delegates to represent FMGs. Various FMG organizations in the past have criticized AMA for its stepmotherly treatment toward them. This feeling alienated 22% of physicians from foreign countries who practice medicine in this country. The recommended restructuring of House of Delegates appears to be an effort to increase this organized medicine. There were some feelings in the past that FMGs will form their own association because they felt that their voice never adequately is heard by AMA. According to the report, the special section would be designed:
* To provide a national forum for FMGs to discuss common issues and concerns.
* To increase the awareness within organized medicine of issues affecting FMGs.
*To increase the participation and membership of FMGs in organizween the AMA and FMGs.
*To provide FMGs with a voice in the policy making.
However, the current move by Board of Trustees has been criticised by some sections, who assert that FMGs are not a homogenous group and it will be very difficult to give adequate representation to each group based upon their origin from different nationalities or countries.
Come what may, this step by AMA appears to be a big success for FMGs, who time and again in the past voiced their concern for discrimination.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 12, 1987
