Before you read this, take it with a grain of salt, as you may find the reality of the situation in India unsettling.
Do you know why there are so many Indian Doctors in the US?
If I have to be very blunt with my answer… many of my fellow Indians may NOT like this answer but it is what it is..
- We are overpopulated. So more the number of people… more number of Doctors / Engineers etc.
- As a country, we are poor. So we always go for better opportunities to earn money and fame. After all our relatives respect us for being “Foreign returned / NRI)
- Indian Doctors have issues w.r.t. their physical Safety/Security (recent trend).
- Better quality of life in USA
- Finally, we have supply and US has demand.
Moreover..
The significant presence of Indian doctors in the United States is a result of various historical, educational, and professional factors that have aligned over the decades to make medicine in the US an attractive pathway for Indian medical graduates.
Anyways, we will look at some of the important factors today..
Historical and Educational Factors
Beginning from 1960, there was shortage of doctors in USA, UK, Canada and other parts of the world.
Doctors of Indian Origin seized this opportunity and migrated to these countries in large numbers. It lead to a huge brain drain from India.
These Indian doctors were very intelligent and they did not face many problems in settling down in these countries because they did not face much problem in communication as India is a nation of English speaking population.
- Push Factors in India: Often, the intense competition for medical postgraduate seats in India pushes doctors to look abroad for opportunities. The limited number of PG seats relative to the demand in India forces many young doctors to seek alternatives.
- Attraction to Advanced Training: The US is known for its advanced medical training and research facilities. This high standard of education and availability of cutting-edge technology and resources are a significant draw for Indian medical students aiming for the best in their field.
Note: It’s much harder to get into PG(Residency) in US after completing MBBS in India. We get so many requests from Indian MBBS Graduates on a daily basis who have completed Step 1,2,3 with good scores but couldn’t even get a single Interview Call. but Why is it so hard? – I’ve covered this one of other Emails, Please check it out.
Professional & Job Opportunities
In USA in health sector..
There’s a Huge demand and supply gap out there.
According to AAMC, By 2034 there will be a shortage of between 17,800 & 48,000 primary care physicians and between 21,000 & 77,100 non primary care physicians in the US!
Click here to read the full article by AAMC
That gap leads to go searching for better place and opportunities
- Better Job Prospects: The US healthcare system offers broader opportunities for career advancement compared to India. Specializations and sub-specializations, research opportunities, and teaching positions are more abundant and accessible in the US.
- Higher Compensation: Doctors in the US generally enjoy higher salaries than their counterparts in India. For instance, specialists and surgeons in the US can earn between $261,000 and $672,000 a year, which is significantly higher than what specialists earn in India.
Besides, the United States offers a wide range of career and research opportunities and a relatively high standard of living for medical professionals.
You would have access A modern, well-equipped healthcare system with access to advanced medical technologies and research opportunities in contrast to what’s shown below (which is a common sight in India)
This is largely due to a combination of factors, including a lack of government funding for healthcare, people aren’t that health conscious and aware.
As a result, majority of doctors in India struggle to make ends meet!
Cultural and Community Support
- Strong Indian Community: The US has a robust Indian community that provides a support system for new immigrants. This community helps ease the cultural transition, making the move less daunting for Indian Students.
- English Language Proficiency: As English is a primary language of communication in Indian Schools, Indian Students often find it easier to adapt to the US healthcare system compared to their counterparts from non-English speaking countries.
Statistics and Data
- Increasing Numbers: According to the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), there are over 80,000 practicing Indian American physicians in the US as of 2021. Indian doctors represent nearly 5% of all physicians in the country and nearly 25% of all international medical graduates employed in the US medical workforce.
- Impact on US Healthcare: Indian doctors are essential in providing medical services not only in urban areas but also in rural and underserved regions of the US, where medical professionals are often in short supply.
Uncertainty of Doctor’s Safety in India
This is a serious concern. Many incidents of violence against healthcare professionals have been reported, often triggered by patient or family dissatisfaction with medical outcomes.
- “Doctors in West Bengal protest after attack on intern by patient’s family” – The Times of India, June 2019
- “Doctor assaulted in Hyderabad hospital after patient’s death” – The Hindu, August 2019
- “Doctor assaulted by relatives of deceased patient in Delhi hospital” – India Today, September 2020
- “Violence against doctors: AIIMS Delhi doctors boycott work after assault on colleague”– Hindustan Times, February 2021
- “Doctor assaulted, hospital vandalized by mob in Gujarat” – NDTV, May 2021
- “Doctor attacked, critical after being stabbed multiple times in Rajasthan” – The Indian Express, July 2021
- “Doctor beaten up in Chhattisgarh hospital, NHRC seeks report” – India Today, August 2021
- “Doctor assaulted in Mumbai hospital, 3 arrested” – Hindustan Times, October 2021
Yet, managing emergencies and ICU amidst fear for their safety, leading to mental health issues and thoughts of quitting..
Now, you know!
Challenges Overcome
- Immigration and Visa Policies: Navigating the US immigration system, including securing work visas and permanent residency (often through the H-1B visa program followed by a green card), poses challenges but is facilitated by sponsorship from hospitals and medical institutions.
- Licensing and Examinations: Indian medical graduates must pass several licensing exams (USMLE 1, 2, and 3) to practice in the US, which are rigorous but are seen as a worthwhile investment for the opportunities they unlock.
Fast Track Pathway – Your Gateway to Medical Practice in the US
The Fast Track Pathway is an innovative program designed to streamline the journey for Indian Students/International medical aspirants, especially from India, looking to practice medicine in the US.
Here’s how the Fast Track Pathway can benefit aspiring Indian doctors:
- Reduced Time and Cost: By integrating certain steps of the medical training and licensing process, the Fast Track Pathway reduces both the time and financial investment required to become a practicing physician in the US.
- Preparation for Licensing Exams: The program offers tailored preparation for US medical licensing exams, enhancing the chances of success.
- Navigational Assistance: From visa processing to securing residencies, the Fast Track Pathway provides crucial support every step of the way.
The Fast Track Pathway could be your ticket to advanced training, higher compensation, and a fulfilling career in medicine.
Why are many Indian doctors moving to the United States?
Many Indian doctors migrate to the U.S. for better job prospects, higher compensation, advanced training opportunities, and a higher quality of life. Historical shortages in U.S. healthcare and the welcoming of foreign-trained doctors have also played significant roles.
What challenges do Indian doctors face in India?
Challenges include intense competition for limited postgraduate seats, varying standards of medical infrastructure, and serious concerns about physical safety in the workplace, with numerous reports of violence against medical professionals.
How do the opportunities in the U.S. compare to those in India for medical professionals?
The U.S. offers broader and more lucrative career opportunities, advanced medical training, and a modern healthcare system equipped with the latest technology, contrasting sharply with the conditions often found in Indian medical settings.
What is the Fast Track Pathway, and how does it benefit Indian medical graduates?
The Fast Track Pathway provides a streamlined route for Indian medical graduates to practice medicine in the U.S., offering support in preparation for licensing exams, navigating visa processes, and reducing both the time and financial costs typically associated with establishing a medical career in the U.S.
What role do Indian doctors play in the U.S. healthcare system?
Indian doctors significantly contribute to the U.S. healthcare system, particularly in underserved rural and urban areas. They represent a substantial portion of all physicians in the country and a significant number of international medical graduates practicing in the U.S.
