Defying the Odds

Abstract

In 2016, it was reported that 30% of physicians were born outside the United States and 7% were non-U.S. citizens. A diverse physician workforce is associated with improved patient outcomes and may play a key role in addressing health disparities and provider burnout. Non-White and immigrant physicians often care for rural, non-English-speaking, underserved communities. Although Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and international students comprise a small portion of medical students, they may play an important role in reducing health disparities and increasing diversity and geographical spread of practicing physicians. Despite diversity efforts across colleges and medical schools, DACA and international students who matriculate and train at U.S. medical schools continue to face significant barriers. The goal of this chapter is to fill gaps in knowledge, answer common questions, and provide recommendations for providing longitudinal support to international and DACA students applying to U.S. medical schools.