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 .
• 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.