Not trying to be nationalist but why should ANY non-USIMG get a competitive IM fellowship? (Cardio, GI, Heme/Onc, Pulm/Crit)
The current lawsuits against some residency programs is on the basis that they only take non-USIMGS. Those programs argue that no US medical students want to be in their programs. Fair argument on both sides.
What about competitive fellowships? There are 20%+ USMDS and even more DOs that go unmatched into GI, Cardiology, Pulm/ Crit, Heme/Onc. And these fellowships are funded by US Medicare money funded by American tax papers. And I’m sure there are enough USMDs and DOs willing to train in rural Kentucky if offered a competitive fellowship spot.
If the rational is we need more primary care doctors, that’s fair and it’s accomplished by having more non-USIMGs as IM residents even though most train in the north east.
But what’s the fairness in having USMDs and DOs competing with foreigners for IM fellowships?