International Medical Graduate Primary Care Residency Grant Program

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) International Medical Graduate (IMG) Primary Care Residency Grant Program aims to address the critical shortage of primary care physicians in Minnesota, particularly in rural and underserved communities. This program aligns with the broader mission of strengthening the state's healthcare workforce and improving access to primary care for its diverse population. By facilitating the integration of internationally trained physicians into the Minnesota health care system, the program leverages existing medical expertise to meet a significant community need. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are accredited primary care residency programs in Minnesota that train International Medical Graduates, as well as the IIMGs themselves. The impact goals are to increase the number of primary care physicians serving rural and underserved areas, thereby improving health outcomes and access to care in these communities. The program focuses on supporting the training of IIMG residents in key primary care specialties such as Family Medicine, General Internal Medicine, General Pediatrics, General Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Psychiatry. A core priority of the program is to ensure that IIMGs who receive grant-funded residency positions commit to serving for at least five years in a rural or underserved Minnesota community after graduation. This commitment is a crucial mechanism to directly address the physician shortage in areas of greatest need. Furthermore, IIMGs make payments into a revolving account, which contributes to the sustainability of MDH's IMG assistance programs, including this residency grant program, demonstrating a long-term strategic approach to workforce development. The expected outcomes include an increased supply of primary care physicians in Minnesota's rural and underserved areas, enhanced access to quality healthcare for diverse communities, and a more robust and diverse healthcare workforce. While specific measurable results like the exact number of IIMGs trained or the reduction in physician vacancies are not detailed, the program's structure with its five-year service commitment and revolving fund suggests a theory of change focused on sustained workforce growth and equitable distribution of medical professionals. The estimated grant amount to grant and award maximum of $390,000 indicates a substantial investment in achieving these outcomes.