Exchange Visitor Sponsorship Program (EVSP)
Resources
Well-being Resources
ECFMG|FAIMER works continuously to better understand the unique challenges faced by foreign national physicians, and specifically J-1 exchange visitor physicians, through the administration of an annual well-being survey and other wellness initiatives. The following resources were compiled to assist training institutions and foreign national physicians in removing potential barriers to well-being and addressing well-being issues. ECFMG|FAIMER has made reasonable efforts to ensure that these resources are relevant and useful, but does not endorse, own, or certify the accuracy of any third-party links.
Transitioning to the United States:
- Understand the three phases of culture shock.
- Learn about housing and getting established in the United States.
- Access information on public transportation, options for getting a car, and obtaining a U.S. driver’s license.
- Read about establishing a credit history.
- Review tips for using electronic health records.
- Learn about the organizations involved in U.S. graduate medical education.
- Reference this glossary of medical terms and abbreviations.
- Access this resource about U.S. health insurance.
Addressing Ongoing Challenges to Physician Well-being:
- Connect with peers through physician membership groups or U.S. Ethnic Physician Organizations.
- Call 2-1-1 or visit 211.org to access supportive mental health resources.
- Look inward with a self-screening wellness exercise or try a relaxing breathing technique.
- Access this library of resources for physicians working during COVID-19.
- Take advantage of well-being resources offered by the host institution, as required in Section VI of the ACGME’s Common Program Requirements.
Read Journeys in Medicine Blog Entries from J-1 Physicians:
- Prioritizing self-care
- Working through well-being struggles
- Making friends in residency
- Overcoming first-year fear
- The loss of patients and difficult clinical experiences
For more context and additional well-being content, view the Supporting the Well-being of Exchange Visitor Physicians learning module.
It is the duty and privilege of ECFMG|FAIMER’s Exchange Visitor Sponsorship Program (EVSP) to support the health, safety, and welfare of every J-1 physician during sponsorship. If you are, or know of, a J-1 physician in need of well-being support, please contact us. EVSP wants to be a resource for you.
