US Medical Schools and the Case for International Medical Students Under STEM OPT
US Medical Schools and International Students
The Niskanen Center advocates for the inclusion of international medical students in the STEM-Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT) program. Currently, the program excludes medical graduates, which is a significant oversight given the proposed physician shortage of 86,000 by 2036. The representation by Cecilia Esterline highlights that many US medical schools, including Harvard Medical School, possess curricula that are heavily oriented towards STEM subjects.
Why Inclusion Matters
- The current limitation affects qualified foreign graduates.
- MD and DO programs should be recognized for their scientific rigor.
- International students bring top-tier talent to US medical institutions.
Given that approximately 26.5% of US doctors are immigrants, better policies must be introduced to retain international talent.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.