Resources for International Medical Graduates and Graduate Students
Introduction
International medical graduates (IMGs) comprise approximately 51% of the active nephrologists in the US (Source: AMA Physician Masterfile). Additionally, approximately 63% of nephrology fellows attended an international medical school (Source: ACGME Data Resource Book). IMGs and other international students are an important and ever-growing part of the nephrology workforce, and they face unique challenges in their journeys to becoming kidney health professionals in the US. This webpage is intended to provide resources for IMGs and international students interested in becoming nephrologists or nephrology researchers. It should not be used to replace the services of an immigration attorney.
Video Testimonials
While everyone's journey is unique, it can be helpful to hear about other people's experiences navigating biomedical training and the US immigration system. Below are the stories of three ASN members.
Resources
Please navigate the tabs below (Residents/Clinical Fellows, Graduate Students/Research Fellows, and Educators) to view different information.
Frequently Asked Questions (Residents and Fellows)
ASN has put together a list of frequently asked questions for international medical graduates. Click here to access the FAQ document created for medical residents preparing for nephrology fellowship and nephrology fellows transitioning to practice.
Common Pathways Infographic (Residents and Fellows)
ASN has also put together an infographic showing the common pathways for international medical graduates to first become physicians and then nephrologists in the US. Click here to access the infographic PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions (Graduate Students and Postdocs)
ASN has put together a list of frequently asked questions for those pursuing graduate school and research. Click here to access the FAQ document created for PhD students, other graduate students, and postdoctoral research fellows.
Common Pathways Infographic (Graduate Students and Postdocs)
ASN has also put together an infographic showing the common pathways for international students pursuing PhD degrees and postdoctoral training in the US . Click here to access the infographic PDF.
Standard J-1 Visa Waiver Process
ASN has put together an overview of the timeline and process for fellows with J-1 visas seeking waiver positions. This may be helpful for training program directors and other educators involved in fellowship training as they help their fellows with J-1 visas prepare for their careers after graduation.
Types of Visas
Kidney educators: see below for a chart explaining the different types of student or work visas that trainees at your institutions may have. Please click on this link to view the chart as a PDF.
Relevant Links
- J-1 visa interview guidance for incoming physicians from Intealth
- ASN policy and advocacy efforts, including but not limited to immigration policy
- Intealth's Transition to Residency & Beyond (T2R) Resource Hub
Acknowledgments
This information on this webpage has been reviewed by Frank & Delaney Immigration Law, LLC.
Additionally, many thanks to the following ASN members for contributing to this webpage:
- Carmen Elena Cervantes, MD
- Kerry C. Cho, MD
- Ilse S. Daehn, PhD, FASN
- Koyal Jain, MD, MPH, FASN
- Javier A. Neyra, MD, MS, FASN
- Juan David Salcedo Betancourt, MD
- Harish Shanthanu Seethapathy, MD, MBBS
If you have any questions about this webpage, please email workforce@asn-online.org.