Through the connections made by the TSOS Community Programs team, we were able to connect Yalda Royan, refugee from Afghanistan and founding member of the Afghan Women’s Advocacy Group, with Julie Rose to be interviewed for this powerful episode, “When is War Justified?”
“Most Americans have never fought in a war, or even had our lives disrupted by one. Does being so far removed from the loss and trauma make us more willing to send our military into battle? This is the first of two episodes we’re dedicating to thinking more deeply about the consequences of war. Rarely is going to war clearly the right or wrong choice. When is war justified? We’re hoping that, by really embracing the nuance here, we’ll be more clear-eyed as citizens and voters the next time America has the choice to fight.“
As a follow-up to this interview, the TSOS Story Production team will now reference Yalda’s powerful thoughts and experiences to produce her story for the Global Refugee Archive.
Advancing Careers: VCU and RPA Launch Medical English and Cultural Competencies Course for International Physicians
Foreign-trained doctors bring invaluable medical expertise, but navigating communication and cultural differences in the U.S. healthcare system can be a challenge. That’s why the @Refugee Physicians Advocacy Coalition #RPA has partnered with @Virginia Commonwealth University’s #VCU Global Education department to co-design a new course: “Medical English and Cultural Competencies in the U.S. Healthcare System.’
Official Statement for World Refugee Day 2025
The U.S. Healthcare Workforce Shortage Is Growing — But So Is The Solution
Virginia is short 770 primary care physicians today — and that number will near 1,000 by 2035. The strain is real: longer wait times, physician burnout, and limited care, especially in rural and underserved communities.
There’s a solution hiding in plain sight: International Medical Graduates (IMGs).
IMGs are highly trained professionals with deep clinical experience and a commitment to primary care. Studies show they perform as well as or better than U.S.-trained doctors in managing chronic conditions and improving patient outcomes — especially for diverse and immigrant populations.
#HealthcareWorkforce #IMGs #HealthEquity #PrimaryCare #PhysicianShortage #VirginiaHealthcare #RefugeePhysicians #RuralHealth #DiversityInMedicine