
What is GT-DOCs?
GT-DOCs (Global Talent Doctors) is a support and advisory collaborative of immigrant and refugee Medical Doctors (MD) and International Medical Graduates (IMG) that work together to connect with U.S. licensed physicians, universities, medical schools, hospitals, and relevant organizations to help MDs/IMGs find meaningful medical-related work and navigate through the USMLE process effectively and efficiently.
Can Refugee and Immigrant Medical Doctors Really Practice in the USA?
Yes, with the help and support of others to obtain informed advice, understand the USMLE process and navigate the red tape. The re-licensing/re-credentialing process is long, bureaucratic and difficult, but not impossible. If an internationally trained MD/IMG wants to obtain a U.S. MD license, it is critical that they understand the magnitude of how important it is to position themselves to be competitive in the U.S. medical residency selection process. The key elements to competitiveness include:
- USMLE scores – competitive score range for IMGs is 240-245
- Time since graduation from medical school – less time is better
- Proof of U.S. clinical experience – working in the U.S. healthcare system is important
- References from the U.S. licensed Medical Doctors – the ability to meet and engage with U.S. medical physicians is most often dictated by your job and where you work
How Can GT-DOCs Help Me?
GT-DOCs assists with building a customized plan that is rational, practical, and equitable given the circumstances that can hinder an internationally educated MD’s/IMG’s efforts. GT-DOCs helps identify options and viable pathways to U.S. MD licensing based on individual ambitions and resources available. Additionally, GT-DOCs support each other in the USMLE process, connect each other to resources and advocate for one another.
Why is it Important to Help Immigrant and Refugee Medical Doctors License in the USA?
When immigrant and refugee physicians reclaim their medical careers, physician supply shortages can be met, brain waste is reduced, providers are more diverse, access to care increases, and patient outcomes improve. For more information, see The Importance of International Medical Graduates in the United States.
Resources
Global Talent Docs Lecture Guidelines
Personal Statement Development Guide
Helpful Info for IMGs – Job Titles, Education Programs, etc.
- Summary of Medical-Related Roles
List of common job titles for 50+ medical-related positions - International Medical Graduates of Idaho
Outline of path to medical residency as an internationally trained medical graduate (IMG), resources, and next steps for GTI-DOCS advocacy - Idaho Medical Doctor (MD) Licensing Guide
How to relicense as a physician in the U.S. - Physician Pathway Guide
Job options for physicians without a U.S. medical license - Healthcare Education Pathway Guide
Information on education options, including length and cost of programs, for various healthcare-related careers - Healthcare Degree Educational Program Information
Information on Idaho education programs for physician assistants (PA), nurse practitioners, health educators, and more
Typing Resources
- Typing Resources
Typing practice and training resources to improve your English typing skills and speed
LinkedIn Training & Resources
- LinkedIn Step by Step Guide
Instructions for creating your LinkedIn profile - Maximizing LinkedIn
How to market yourself, build connections, and get a job through LinkedIn - LinkedIn Action Plan and Making Connections
Guide to utilizing LinkedIn on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis
Online Job Search Training
- Step by Step Online Job Search Instructions
Instructions for using Indeed and Craigslist to search for open positions
Local Medical Employers
- Medical-Related Employers List
List of local employers that hire for medical-related professions

Dr. C. Scott Smith
Global Talent Doctors Mentor and Consultant
Dr. C Scott Smith is a retired internal medicine doctor, medical researcher, and professor emeritus at the University of Washington and has worked in residency program leadership in Idaho for 28 years. In addition, Dr. Smith has also been a USMLE ‘National Boards’ question writer for eight years. He continues to share his knowledge, guidance, and vast experience with Global Talent Doctors at weekly GT-Docs meetings to help internationally trained physicians prepare for the US Medical Licensing Examination. Dr. Smith provides strategic guidance on residency applications, resumes, and interviews, and makes connections to mentors and residency opportunities in Idaho.
“Idaho is 49th out of 50 in doctors per capita in the U.S. We desperately need more doctors. This program could be a triple win: help the candidates become competitive in the eyes of training programs, bring experience and diversity to the training programs, and retain more doctors in Idaho.”