L D Baer1, T R Konrad, J S Miller. 1. Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7590, USA. lenny_baer@unc.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine whether community health centers need international medical graduates to fill staff positions. METHODS: The authors surveyed 100 community health center administrators to learn about their perceptions of international medical graduates. RESULTS: Nationally, about one quarter of community health centers depend on international medical graduates to fill physician vacancies; most of these centers foresee unfilled positions in the event of a cutback. CONCLUSIONS: Policies calling for a national reduction in the supply of international medical graduates need to be balanced by an understanding of these individuals' role in reducing local physician shortages.
OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine whether community health centers need international medical graduates to fill staff positions. METHODS: The authors surveyed 100 community health center administrators to learn about their perceptions of international medical graduates. RESULTS: Nationally, about one quarter of community health centers depend on international medical graduates to fill physician vacancies; most of these centers foresee unfilled positions in the event of a cutback. CONCLUSIONS: Policies calling for a national reduction in the supply of international medical graduates need to be balanced by an understanding of these individuals' role in reducing local physician shortages.
Authors: Daniel L Howard; Carol D Bunch; Wilberforce O Mundia; Thomas R Konrad; Lloyd J Edwards; M Ahinee Amamoo; Yhenneko Jallah Journal: Health Serv Res Date: 2006-12 Impact factor: 3.402