As physician shortages strain communities nationwide, many see foreign-trained physicians as part of the solution, particularly in rural and underserved areas, according to Medscape’s “Turning to Foreign-Trained Physicians Report 2026” published Feb. 20.
Medscape surveyed 1,037 physicians between July 2 to Aug. 30. Two-thirds say internationally trained physicians are a viable answer to the broader U.S. shortage, and 75% say they could help small communities.
Still, concerns around language barriers, visa hurdles and licensure requirements persist, and physicians remain divided on whether alternative pathways to practice should be expanded.
Here’s how surveyed physicians ranked potential hurdles in the U.S. for foreign-trained physicians:
- Language differences: 75%
- Visa terms and issues: 65%
- Different cultural norms: 56%
- Standards of practicing in us: 53%
- Passing state licensure exams: 50%
- Rigor of a U.S. residency: 43%
- Other: 4%
- None of these: 1%
How many physicians see foreign-trained physicians as a viable solution to the U.S. shortage
- Yes: 67%
- No: 17%
- Unsure: 16%
Are foreign-trained physicians a viable solution to the shortage in small communities?
- Yes: 75%
- No: 14%
- Unsure: 11%
How well has practical experience abroad prepared physicians?
- Very well: 22%
- Somewhat well: 53%
- Somewhat poorly: 21%
- Very poorly: 5%
How physicians feel about the need for more alternative pathways for foreign-trained physicians
- Yes: 40%
- No: 35%
- Unsure: 25%
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