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 Office to co-design a new course: “Medical English and Cultural Competencies in the U.S. Healthcare System.’
The curriculum blends an introduction to foundational practice competencies with the communication skills needed for successful transition to U.S. healthcare settings—preparing participants for the Residency match, Virginia’s new Provisional License pathway, and other healthcare roles. The course is tailored for International Physicians with advanced English proficiency.
A special thank you to VCU’s Laura Wilkinson for leading the course, and to Dr. Lily Cameron, Dr. Sarah Kureshi, Dr. Sara Foster Fabiano, Dr. Shalah Namek, and Dr. Kacie Saulters for their expert collaboration. We’re also grateful to the Asian American Center of Frederick, Maryland for their generous financial support.
Together, we’re empowering international physicians to thrive and make a difference in our communities!
RPA welcomes opportunities to collaborate on other courses or initiatives to help advance International Physicians’ medical careers. Please send us an email.
Contact UsIf you are an International Physician interested in joining our registry and enlisting RPA Coalition’s medical career support, enter your information here:
International Physician RegistryOfficial 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.