Ep. 67: Immigration policy and the physician shortage with Thomas E. Price, M.D.

Thomas E. Price, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon and the 23rd secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), joins the show with an idea to address the health care workforce shortage: legal, employment-based immigration.

According to a recent Staffing Stream article, "An overlooked answer to the US healthcare crisis: Skilled immigration," by Ron Hoppe, there are:

• 10,000+ foreign trained physicians waiting overseas for U.S. visas;
• 15,000+ immigrant physicians already practicing in the U.S., awaiting permanent residency;
• 10,000+ internationally educated RNs who have passed the U.S. licensure exams and completed immigration requirements, unable to enter the country.

Is immigration policy reform the long-awaited solution to the health care workforce shortage in the U.S.?

Don't miss our previous episodes on AI diagnostic tools, patient autonomy, malpractice law and healthy eating.

Music Credits:
Ambient Jazz by AurbanniAudio - stock.adobe.com
Relaxing Lounge by Classy Call me Man - stock.adobe.com
COCKTAIL by Mythical Audio - stock.adobe.com

Editor's note: Episode timestamps and transcript produced using AI tools.

Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)
Overview of the podcast's focus on health care workforce challenges and immigration policy.

Background on Workforce Shortage (00:01:03)
Discussion on the long-standing health care workforce shortage and barriers to solving it.

Immigrant Contribution to Healthcare (00:02:30)
Highlighting the significant role of immigrant health care workers in the U.S. system.

Policy Changes for Workforce Solutions (00:04:33)
Exploration of federal and state policy changes needed to address healthcare workforce shortages.

Visa Backlogs for Clinicians (00:05:45)
Examination of the visa backlog issue preventing qualified international clinicians from practicing.

Challenges in Graduate Medical Education (00:06:04)
Discussion about limitations on residency slots affecting physician training and immigration.

Lack of Attention to Immigration Issues (00:07:28)
Analysis of why skilled immigration in health care isn't a priority in national policy discussions.

Role of Physicians in Advocacy (00:08:42)
Importance of communication and advocacy by physicians and medical organizations for policy change.

Alignment of Immigration and Border Security (00:10:36)
Agreement that immigration reform can coexist with border security priorities in health care.

Broad Scope of Healthcare Shortages (00:11:54)
Emphasis on the extensive range of health care worker shortages beyond just physicians and nurses.