Across the U.S., we are facing a serious physician shortage. As the population ages, we are losing physicians and need more providers. At this rate, demand is outpacing supply, leaving doctors unable to meet healthcare needs. Medical school enrollment is up, but this alone is insufficient. Fortunately, there are other ways to address the gap left by thousands of physician shortages.

Internationally trained physicians living in the U.S. have completed medical school and clinical training abroad, but duplicative licensing and residency requirements keep them from practicing. At least 22 states have established alternative licensure pathways, according to the American Medical Association, reflecting broad, bipartisan support for reform.

By modernizing licensure, states can put qualified, experienced doctors to work while maintaining standards through exams, credentialing, and supervised practice. States that act now will better meet present and future health care needs.​Our resource, CL Internationally Trained Physicians One-Pager, highlights actions states have taken to better position themselves to meet the growing demand for health care.