Launching of Physician Immigration Blog

Hello, I'm Barry Walker. I live and practice immigration law in Tupelo, Mississippi. Since 1994, my immigration law practice has been largely devoted to the representation of hospitals, clinics, physician practices and foreign medical graduates, in connection with physician immigration to the United States. Our principal clients are in Mississippi, Tennessee, Missouri and Virginia, but we represent clients from all over the U.S.

Some people might wonder how an immigration practice can exist and thrive in a rural state such as Mississippi. Actually, there are several reasons why our practice is particularly relevant to a rural state. For example, Mississippi has a large percentage of counties (60 out of 82 counties) that are full-county Health Professional Shortage Areas (according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). This means that many rural counties and communities in Mississippi have a difficult time attracting and retaining U.S. born physicians. So, these communities rely heavily on foreign medical graduates to provide both primary care and to cover the specialties. When we refer to foreign medical graduates, we are referring to physicians who have been educated at medical schools outside of the U.S. However, before being licensed in the U.S. these physicians have to pass a battery of examinations and screenings. Also, almost all states require that foreign physicians must complete at least 2-3 years of advanced training in the United States, before licensing. So, whenever a patient confers with a foreign physician in a U.S. hospital or clinic, they can be confident that the physician as highly qualified and trained as U.S. born physician.


We will be posting here at least once a week, to discuss immigration issues for foreign medical graduates. Our topics will include:

• Obtaining the J-1 waiver
• Changing status from J-1 to H-1B
• Special issues for physicians who have trained as H-1B's
• H-1B cap exemptions
• Green card options

Barry J. Walker
Immigration Attorney
Walker and Ungo
PO Box 1023
Tupelo, MS 38802
662.841.0629
barrywalke@gmail.com
www.walkerungo.com