IMMIGRANT IMG TASK FORCE
Meeting #2
August 20, 2014
Task Force charge
• Overall charge: To develop strategies to integrate
immigrant, refugee and asylee physicians into the
Minnesota health care delivery system.
• Recommendations due to the Commissioner of Health
and the Legislature by January 15, 2015.
• 2014 Minnesota Session Laws, Chapter 228, Article 5,
Section 12
Work on Charge #1
• See presentation of follow-up analyses by MDH staff.
• Discussion: Questions, additional information/analyses
needed?
Work on Charge #2: Survey
• Timing
• Survey still open; plan to keep open through August.
• Initials results will be presented at September meeting if possible.
• Content
• Brief supplemental survey will be conducted after close of main
survey for additional questions suggested by Task Force members.
• Waiting to hear if ECFMG can supply performance data as more
comprehensive source for some of this.
Work on Charge #3: Barriers/costs
Work on Charge #4: Alternative pathways,
proposed approach
• Develop framework showing current alternative pathways
• Nurse pathways – including nurse practitioner and other APRN
• Physician assistant
• Community paramedic
• Others
• For each, identify:
• Connections to/decision points on MD pathway
• Barriers
• Potential strategies/ recommendations
Work on Charge #5: Strategies/Funding
Three parts today:
1. Examples of strategies/models used (past and
present)
2. UCLA program brief
3. Small group work generating possible strategies for
Minnesota
Work on Charge #5: Strategies used
Work on Charge #5: UCLA IMG program
Work on Charge #5: UCLA IMG program
• Core program elements:
• Prep for USMLE Steps 1-3.
• Clinical observership + hands-on clerkship (obtained law change in 2012 to
allow latter).
• Must meet requirements to move to each program level.
• Stipends.
• Participants commit to applying only to California FM residencies and
serving 2-3 years in MUA in California.
• Eligibility limitations:
• Limited to Spanish-speaking IMGs who are U.S. citizens, permanent
residents, or permanent refugees.
• Must have graduated from medical schools since 2005 or completed
residency since 2003 (some exceptions allowed).
• Must not have failed USLME more than once.
Work on Charge #5: Small group work
Three “assignments”:
1. Review list of strategies/models already used – any
missing, any you’d like to learn more about?
2. Discuss possible strategies for Minnesota – picking
from the list and/or generating new ideas.
3. Use worksheet to record your group’s strategies –
filling in as much detail as you can.
Work on Charge #5: Strategy ideas
Next steps
• Additional analyses on current licensed
workforce (Charge #1).
• Results from survey (Charge #2).
• Evaluate alternative pathways (Charge #4)
• Explore/flesh out strategies in more depth
(Charge #5).
• Other work identified/requested during meeting.
• MDH staff will be available post-meeting to
discuss additional ideas, questions or requests.