Having worked in healthcare settings for more almost 30 years, I've been actively involved in the evolution of healthcare delivery in the Unites States - particularly in DC, MD and VA. Our societal needs have also changed in unprecidented and unexpected ways which requires lawmakers to consider new approaches to population health management.

There are many threats to individual and population health. One of the most significant threats is access to care. The U.S.—including Virginia—is facing a growing physician shortage, with projections showing a deficit of up to 124,000 physicians by 2034.

Working with US born physicians for my entire career, I see how overworked and burdened with non-clinical administrative tasks. Our US born physicians need help. You can help them by including highly capable and available foreign-trained physicians into our stressed healthcare system. Our physician need them. Our patients deserve them. Our communities will thrive with them.

In addition to the wealth of knowledge they bring to our healthcare systems, there are many advocates who are willing, ready and able to develop sustainable entry infrastructures to mitriculate them successfully into US clinical care.

I urge you to prioritize augmenting Virginia's healthcare delivery system by incorporating foreign-trained physicians.