In a surprise move, a state commission appointed by New York State has recommended that no Foreign Medical graduate be admitted in any residency training program and to cut 30% of existing rendency slots in the state. The state has almost 13 medical schools and all medical training institutions were providing training to almost 1,700 graduates in 1984.
The commission on graduate medical education was constituted by Gov. Mario Coumo to find out the ways to cope up with declining hospital occupancy and oversupply of physicians in the state. “The recommendations have the support of Health Commissioner David Axel ford, M.D. and Board of Regents Chancellor Martin Barrel.” The New York Times reported in a recent article.
Currently FMGS, constitute almost 40% of entire first year residency slots in the state. Half of FMGS in the state training program are U.S., citizens who got their medical education in foreign countries like Canada of Mexico.
“The recommendations are expected to be phased in over a period of five years,” reported Am. Med. News. The recommendations if put into action would virtually eliminate FMGS in the state training programs.
Overall FMGS, account for 112,000 or 21.6 % of entire physicians practicing in USA, according to AMA Division survey and Data resources. FMGS trained in India constitute the largest percentage (16.1%) The second is Philippines (12.3%) & third Mexico (6.9%).
Predicting the saturation of physicians in certain areas of medicine, Carter Administration in 1976 amended the immigration laws. Designed to grant Visa to FMGS who had passed necessary exams (ECFMG).
The mood of New York health Officials reflect the general concern about the oversupply of physicians. Other states may follow New York States. Though FMGS have contributed a substantial share in imparting the best medical services the new moves directing against them may deny them the chance to serve American population.
The country which stands and fights for equality to all, at least appears to be heading for discrimination against FMGS. States like California have already made it impossible for FMG to complete required medical school clinical rotations. It also discriminates FMG, in granting medical licensure, even if they have finished the required training in U.S.A. itself.
If such moves are practiced then new FMGS who come to this country of opportunity, would be forced to waste their professional knowledge. America cannot let such a high level of professional skills and knowhow to go to dumps. Something needs to be done to protect the rights of FMGS who want to get a chance to serve American community with mind devotion.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 6, 1985
