When I fled Syria in 2014, my dream was to become a physician trained in the United States. I quickly discovered that the American dream is real — dedication truly pays off. I earned my master’s degree in international health policy and management, along with clinical training in both internal and vascular medicine, at respected institutions. The U.S. healthcare system offered me these opportunities, valuing my commitment over my background or religion.Immigrant doctors play a vital role in sustaining and strengthening our health care system. If the White House reinstates the travel ban on visas for civilians from specific countries, it could jeopardize this precious resource, putting both immigrant physicians and the patients who rely on them at risk.
in 2017, President Trump issued an executive order banning entry from seven predominantly Muslim countries. This had a profound impact on the U.S. medical system.
According to a 2020 study, international medical graduates (IMGs) make up nearly one-quarter of the U.S. physician workforce — a presence crucial for addressing gaps in care. Of these, 18.4% (approximately 48,354 doctors) hail from Muslim-majority countries, with 38.1% specializing in primary care. These professionals provide essential care, often in underserved and rural areas where the need for doctors is acute. They also contribute considerably to the economy by filling roles that help prevent costly health crises. As a country that has long valued opportunity, America must ensure its policies don’t inadvertently exclude those who strengthen our nation.
A clear example of the ban’s impact is seen among Syrian medical graduates. In 2016, damascus University ranked seventh among institutions with the most medical graduates licensed in the U.S., boasting 2,745 physicians. By 2017, Syrian graduates achieved an impressive residency match rate of 76.6%. Following the travel ban, this rate plummeted to 64.4% by 2019.
Since the travel ban and subsequent visa restrictions, the flow of talented Syrian doctors to the U.S.has slowed considerably, forcing many to seek opportunities in countries like Germany instead. These young, diligent physicians have historically played a vital role in advancing medical knowledge in critical areas such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and communicable diseases through post-doctoral research programs in the U.S. Their work has not only saved American lives but also advanced global health, reinforcing America’s position as a leader in medical innovation. For instance, the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) represents thousands of U.S.-based Syrian physicians renowned globally for their expertise in managing health crises. They have established field hospitals in conflict areas and delivered life-saving treatments to displaced populations. (I am a member of SAMS).
With the recent fall of the Assad regime,Syrian doctors are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between global health challenges and local rebuilding efforts.
Like many other Syrian doctors, I am eager to apply the knowledge I have gained here in the U.S. to help the people of Syria. This includes rebuilding the health system, creating clinical training programs, and expanding preventive care. However, if the old travel ban is reinstated, many Syrian doctors on visas or holding green cards may be barred from re-entering the U.S. if they leave for a short visit. This would be detrimental to everyone. The expertise of Syrian physicians trained and practicing in the U.S. can play a dual role — strengthening America’s health care system while contributing to the rebuilding of a free and thriving Syria.
U.S.immigration policies should not only welcome Syrian physicians but also pave the way for them to contribute to Syria’s recovery while maintaining their roles in American health care.
My story is but one among thousands. Collectively, immigrant doctors support a system increasingly struggling to meet patient needs nationwide. At Massachusetts General Hospital, I conducted research under Jeremy Ruskin, head of the electrophysiology section. Our team comprised three trainees: an Iranian, an Israeli, and me, a Syrian. Three individuals who would never work together elsewhere. This surroundings fostered mutual respect and transformed our diverse perspectives into shared value and growth.
As Syrians forge a new future free from dictatorship, the U.S. has an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to inclusive immigration policies that strengthen bonds between nations. By empowering immigrant doctors, America can continue to lead in health care innovation while supporting global stability and peace.
Dr. M. Ihsan Kaadan is an assistant professor and vascular medicine attending in the cardiology division at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
– How has the immigration policy in the U.S. impacted the healthcare workforce and patient care?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr. Omar Al-Najjar, International Medical Graduate
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Al-Najjar. Thank you for joining us today. Your journey from Syria to becoming a physician in the U.S. is inspiring. Can you tell us about what motivated you to pursue medicine and eventually relocate?
Dr. Al-Najjar: Thank you for having me. My journey began with a deep desire to help my community. Growing up in Syria, I witnessed the struggles people faced due to insufficient healthcare, especially in conflict zones. When I fled to the U.S. in 2014, I saw an opportunity to gain the training I needed to make a difference. My dream was to become a physician, and I believed that in the U.S., hard work and dedication would help me fulfill that dream.
Time.news Editor: That’s a powerful motivator. You mentioned that your background didn’t hinder your education or training here in the U.S. Can you elaborate on how the U.S. healthcare system supports aspiring physicians, especially immigrants?
Dr. Al-Najjar: Absolutely. The U.S. healthcare system is based on meritocracy. I earned my master’s degree in international health policy and management alongside clinical training in internal and vascular medicine at respected institutions. They valued my commitment and what I could bring to the field rather than focusing on my background or religion. That acceptance made a critically important difference in my journey.
Time.news Editor: Very encouraging to hear. However, the healthcare landscape faces challenges, particularly with recent political changes. You referenced the 2017 travel ban. How did that affect the medical workforce?
Dr. Al-Najjar: The 2017 travel ban had a profound impact. Prior to the ban, many international medical graduates were pursuing their dreams of practicing medicine in the U.S. Though, the ban created uncertainty and fear among these individuals, leading to many potential doctors dropping out of the process or choosing not to come to the U.S. at all. A 2020 study indicated that a significant portion of the U.S. physician workforce consists of international medical graduates. Many of these doctors, about 48,354, are from Muslim-majority countries, specializing in primary care and serving disproportionately in underserved areas.
Time.news Editor: So, if the proposed reinstatement of the travel ban occurs, what potential repercussions do you foresee for both the healthcare system and the patients who rely on these immigrant physicians?
Dr. Al-Najjar: If the travel ban is reinstated, it could jeopardize the vital contributions immigrant physicians make to our healthcare system. We already know that many patients, particularly in rural and underserved areas, depend on these doctors for care. Disrupting the pipeline of talented IMG professionals could exacerbate existing shortages, undercutting care quality and access for vulnerable populations. The consequences could be dire, both for the physicians affected and for countless patients who count on their expertise.
Time.news Editor: Your insight highlights the intricate relationship between immigration policies and healthcare access. What do you believe needs to change to better support immigrant physicians and, ultimately, the healthcare system?
Dr. Al-Najjar: We need policies that facilitate rather than hinder the integration of international medical graduates into the healthcare workforce. This includes streamlining visa processes, providing support systems for immigrant doctors, and ensuring that our acclaimed educational institutions remain accessible to all, nonetheless of where one comes from.By valuing diversity and allowing skilled individuals to contribute to our society, we strengthen our healthcare system as a whole.
Time.news Editor: thank you, Dr. Al-najjar. Your outlook is invaluable in understanding the vital role of immigrant physicians in the U.S. healthcare system. We hope the challenges you mentioned can be addressed,and we look forward to seeing more stories like yours in the future.
Dr. Al-Najjar: Thank you for featuring this topic.It’s crucial that we continue this conversation and advocate for a system that empowers all healthcare professionals.