According to data from the NRMP, 6,653 foreign citizens educated at foreign medical schools matched to internships at American hospitals in March.
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One of the 144 foreign-born international medical school graduates set to start their first year of residency in Pennsylvania this year is Hasiba Karimi. However, due to the travel ban imposed by President Donald Trump, Karimi, who was born in Afghanistan but received her medical education in Turkey, is now unable to begin her internship in the United States.
Dr. Sebastian Arruarana, a resident physician in Brooklyn, emphasizes the importance of international medical graduates in filling positions in underserved communities, particularly in pediatric care.
Each summer, thousands of foreign-born doctors from international medical schools come to the U.S. for residency programs. The March match saw 6,653 foreign citizens matched to internships, with an additional 300 filling unfilled spots. However, the ban on individuals from certain countries has added a new barrier for incoming medical residents.
It remains uncertain how many medical residents will be affected by the ban, with some already in the U.S. unable to leave and return. The NRMP and ECFMG are advocating for exceptions to be made for doctors affected by the ban, though the State Department has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Despite the challenges, hospitals like the one where Artur Polechshuk was set to start his residency are offering support and considering options such as extending start dates or deferring acceptances for affected foreign graduates.
They assured us that they will wait for us as long as necessary and that they are committed to staying by our side. They are deeply shocked by the situation and are finding it very difficult to cope as well.
