CM-39 - Sponsoring Foreign Physicians For Graduate Medical Education/Training on an H-1B Visa

February 17, 1997

Clear intent of the H-1B visa status is to allow a "temporary worker" to come to the United States to engage in teaching, research, or both at a public or non-profit educational institution whereby individuals are allowed to undertake only limited patient care incidental to teaching or research responsibilities. Taking into consideration intended use, as well as the additional eligibility standards, requirements and liabilities for the University, the H-1B is determined to be an inappropriate mechanism for graduate medical training.

Authority and responsibility to administer the proper forms in all cases involving the admission and certification for foreign physicians who wish to receive graduate medical education or training has been delegated to ECFMG by the United States Information Agency (USIA). As such, ECFMG sponsorship as a J-1 exchange visitor is the appropriate and only mechanism whereby foreign physicians may enter graduate medical education/training programs at the LSU Health Sciences Center.

Signed: Mervin L. Trail, M.D., Chancellor