IMGs and J-1 visa waivers

As many international medical graduates know, the J-1 exchange visa is restrictive and its corresponding waiver is highly coveted.

There was an interesting article in the New York Times this week regarding the symbiotic relationship that can develop between medically-needy, non-urban areas and IMGs who want their J-1 waiver. Because medical school costs are so high, many American graduates focus their job hunting on urban centers, leaving the needy rural areas without adequate physician penetration.

The article is a good, short read, especially for IMGs considering their future options.