Support the Physician Pathway Act!

The Joint Committee on Public Health has until February 7th to take action on the Physician Pathway Act, which would address severe physician shortages in underserved communities by mobilizing the expertise of experienced, internationally trained physicians (ITPs) in exchange for a pathway to full physician licensure.

Internationally-trained physicians are an untapped healthcare resource. Our state’s licensing requirements currently require established physicians with years of experience to repeat their postgraduate clinical training, competing with recent medical school graduates for a finite number of residency slots. As a result, hundreds of our Commonwealth’s ITPs are unable to practice their profession, especially those who arrive through non-traditional avenues. Often refugees or other immigrants fleeing persecution or political turmoil, these physicians are both qualified and motivated to work with underserved state residents, giving back to the communities that welcomed them.

Meanwhile, rural and low-income residents face critical shortages in primary care physicians. This legislation would create a pathway to full licensure for qualified ITPs in exchange for at least three years of medical practice in a healthcare facility serving state residents with the greatest need.

Ask state legislators on the Joint Committee to issue a swift favorable report for the Physician Pathway Act today!

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