Transition support
Many of these resources will be most helpful for those relocating from abroad, but if you’re unfamiliar with the region you might also benefit.
EHR/EPIC
- Top 10 tips for effective use of electronic health records - PMC
- If you are a non-US IMG look for an email invite from FAIMER to the “Introduction to the U.S. Electronic Health Record” module. You can find more information here: Electronic Health Record (EHR) Module
Transportation
- Public transportation in Geisinger’s footprint isn’t widely available, so contact your program administrator for support and information about your program’s service area.
- Train Tickets, Schedules & Routes | Amtrak
- Affordable Bus Tickets and Bus Schedules
- Buying and Owning a Car | Consumer Advice
- REAL ID Info for Non-U.S. Citizens | Driver and Vehicle Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- Driving in the U.S. if you are not a citizen | USAGov
Self and family care
- Learn how to reduce stress related to adjusting to a new area by reading
Adjusting to a New Culture | Exchange Programs - Understanding personal medical/health insurance in the US
- Connect with peers through Ethnic physician membership groups
- Find help paying bills, locating food banks, housing assistance and other resources near you: Community Resources Near You - Neighborly | Geisinger
- If you’re looking for a free, research-based mindfulness app, the Healthy Minds Program offers guided meditations and practical tools to support awareness, connection and emotional well-being.
- By Intealth, the module linked below compiles videos, worksheets, and other resources for J-1 physicians to build personal wellness and create positive well-being change at their training institutions.
J-1 Physician Well-being Module - The module linked below by Intealth offers J-1 physicians a summary of common transitional and ongoing challenges that J-1 physicians may experience during their training and tools to support those challenges.
EVSP Well-being Module - The link below features J-1 physician stories told in their own words. See all entries related to well-being initiatives and personal wellness stories here, or check out these stories that specifically address self-care, making friends, overcoming fear, difficult clinical experiences and more. Journeys in Medicine Blog - An ECFMG Blog
Banking Finances
- Your credit affects your ability to get a loan, a job, housing, insurance and more. Read about credit scores, establishing a credit history, and avoiding scams.
- Opening a U.S. Bank Account for J1 Visa holders
- Paying Taxes
Additional resources for non-US IMGs
- J1 Visas
- US Laws
- Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers
- Legal protections for H-1 Workers
- Social Security numbers
- Professional development
- Explore Intealth's Transition to Residency (T2R) digital resource hub.
- The T2R Gateway has resources to help you feel more confident, connected and prepared.
- Complete T2Rs Learning Modules to build the skills and knowledge you need for residency.
- Review the T2R Medical Terminology & Abbreviations Glossary, an easy-to-use guide explaining common terms and abbreviations used in U.S. clinical settings, to help international medical graduates communicate with confidence.
- The T2R Gateway has resources to help you feel more confident, connected and prepared.
- Many people help hospitals run smoothly. Learn more about the care team members you’ll interact with: Who’s Who on Your Hospital Team – PatientCareLink
- For AMA members, their International Medical Graduates toolkit provides guidance on various topics, including practicing medicine in the U.S., types of visas & FAQs, academic opportunities and scope of practice and more. (Not a member? As a Geisinger employee, you’ll receive a free membership and can review this resource then.)
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