COVID-19 is exacerbating multiple pre-existing disparities in the U.S. that have been there for a long time. Join us in learning about one of these comorbidities in our healthcare system from Dr. Mohit Gupta and Dr. Ricardo Correa as they share their personal stories as international medical graduates (IMGs) and their advocacy work on behalf of others in their shoes.

Show Notes

​

[0:00] - Intro
[02:32] - Setting the stage: President Trump issues an executive order for temporary immigration suspension
[03:28] - Introduction to Dr. Mohit Gupta and Dr. Ricardo Correa

[04:41] - A Step in Their Shoes
  • Happy Holidays: Dr. Correa shares how he celebrates Christmas and New Year’s Day back home in Panama with his family.
  • Cultural catch-up:  Dr. Gupta shares some favorite pastimes—including listening to bhangra music and watching bollywood shows--and reminisces about Indian festivals spent back home in India with his family.

[09:17] - Patience is power: Dr. Correa details the steps IMGs must follow to begin and continue their chosen area of practice in the US  
  • Among IMGs, J-1 and H-1B visas are popular working visa options subject to renewal.
  • When IMGs are ready to apply for green cards, the application process is hindered by national limits on green card distribution, varying from country to country.

[14:15] - Dr. Correa’s story
  • Overcoming obstacles: Dr. Correa shares his personal four-year journey in transitioning from a J-1 visa to a green card.
    • ​Permanent immigration status allows workers to remain in the US for durations longer than the few years granted by visas.
    • The process is dependent upon the types of initial visas issued to the diverse community of international healthcare workers, as well as the immigrant’s country of origin.

[16:58] - Dr. Mohit Gupta’s story 
  • Barriers to self-actualization: Dr. Gupta shares how IMGs are affected professionally by visa backlogs.
    • Indian immigrants applying for a permanent residency or green card are hindered by 100+ year backlogs
    • Inability to attain a visa/green card prevents IMGs from earning seats in competitive training programs or working a preferred job they excel at.

[20:59] - Political interferences with familial affairs: Dr. Gupta shares a personal story involving the suicide of a colleague
  • The family members’ emotional grief was compounded by needs to address immigration status in the US.
    • ​The father’s passing resulted in a lack of immigration status for his family members.

[24:29] - Mental health among physicians: Sarah Takimoto discusses the high risks of depression and suicide that accompany a physician’s career 
  • There is a disproportionate impact on physicians who are underrepresented in medicine and IMGs.

[25:15] - The frontlines of rural America: Dr. Correa emphasizes the importance of supporting IMGs working with underserved populations in rural America
  • These populations are the most vulnerable in the face of COVID-19.
  • IMGs who have dedicated their lives to serving these patients will be unable to practice without proper immigration status via securing a visa/permanent residency/green card. 

[29:13] - Increasing risk, increasing demand: Dr. Gupta discusses the despair that families of IMGs may face as the need for frontline physicians increases 
  • IMG physicians, making up 25% of the physician workforce in the US, are especially at risk because a lack of permanent status causes political repercussions for the family in the event of physician death due to high COVID-19 mortality rates.

[31:25] - S.386 Bill: The Senate delays the passing of Congress’s S.386 bill to shorten per-country decades-long backlogs 
[32:04] - Advocating for IMGs: American Medical Association (AMA)
  • The AMA helps the IMG community by not only addressing backlog impacts on IMGs, but also striving to support children of IMGs.

[33:07] -  Protecting IMGs: American College of Physicians (ACP)
  • Time crunch: Dr. Correa discusses how training programs have restrictive visa-obtaining time regulations that IMGs may fail to meet because embassies are closed during the pandemic
    • IMGs with prior plans to train in the US are in need of premium visa-processing services that are not currently being met  
      ACP Letter to USCIS on Visa Processing for IMGs: The ACP wrote an address to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding the urgency in H-1B visa securement among IMGs due to frontline COVID-19 conditions.
    • Visas must be secured by upcoming residents to begin training on July 1.
    • Due to the COVID-19 high demand for physicians, the US has issued temporary licenses, allowing IMGs to practice in highly affected states.
      • ​Each state (i.e. New York) sets varying experience requirements for IMGs. 
      • These licenses do not guarantee physicians their ability to continue practicing in post-pandemic conditions. 

[39:07] - Message to IMGs
  • Exploring opportunities: Dr. Gupta advises IMGs to engage in their work and training in the US because there are many resources that allow for fulfilling patient-care experiences.
  • Unity is key: Dr. Correa and Dr. Gupta highlight how forming and joining organizations at both state and national levels are effective approaches in supporting the IMG community.

[44:07] - Your support of IMGs is significant!
  • Contacting your senator/local congressman paves the way for data collection, and consequently, awareness of IMG issues. 
    • These leaders are here to help the population, which begins by being notified of problems, including who is suffering. 
  • IMGs are leaders in healthcare, research, and education.
  • Networking with IMGs and supporting organizations will encourage others to contribute to the cause of dismantling barriers faced by IMGs.

[47:49] - Continue the conversation online! 
  • Instagram @thedeishift
  • Twitter @thedeishift
  • Email: thedeishift@gmail.com

[48:23] - Outro

Credits:
Co-hosts: Dr. Maggie Kozman, Sarah Takimoto 
​Producers: Dr. Maggie Kozman, Sarah Takimoto
Executive Producer: Dr. Tammy Lin
Co-Executive Producers: Dr. Pooja Jaeel and Dr. Tiffany Leung
Senior Producers: Dr. DJ Gaines and Dr. Maggie Kozman
Assistant Producer: Deepti Yechuri
Editors: Deepti Yechuri, with special thanks to Josh Wang
Production Assistant: Emily Han
Website/Art design: Ann Truong
Music: Chris Dingman

Special thanks to Dr. Moises Auron for introducing us to Dr. Mohit Gupta.

Disclaimer

.The DEI Shift podcast and its guests provide general information and entertainment, but not medical advice. Before making any changes to your medical treatment or execution of your treatment plan, please consult with your doctor or personal medical team. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by The DEI Shift. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by The DEI Shift team are those of each individual, and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The DEI Shift team and its guests, employers, sponsors, or organizations we are affiliated with.