Doctors applying from abroad often can't get past immigration officers anymore, says Hammoude, whose brother has tried repeatedly to get a visa to study in the United States, only to be refused. That's where there are a lot of broken souls. A new round of study The IMGs who do secure student visas usually enroll in one of several programs to bone up for the tests they must pass to show that their skills are commensurate with American graduates. The tests ensure a level playing field, says Brey, the immigration lawyer. Though many medical schools abroad may equal standards at U.S. schools, some may not.
Tests require a basic command of English.
Kaplan Inc. offers self-guided study courses, group lectures, immigration help and other services. The Michigan State Medical Society plans to hold a town hall-style meeting about international medical graduate issues in the Detroit area this fall. Thomas Gentile Jr., a board member of the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, will speak. There also will be time for questions and for nonmembers to learn about the society's work on behalf of International Medical Graduates. Details will be finalized soon.