Quietly, perhaps not so quietly, the immigrant bashing state of Florida passed a law to make it easier for foreign educated doctors to practice medicine there. One-third of Florida’s health care specialists are over 60 years old, and the state realized that unless it made practicing medicine (love that word “practicing”) easier that the state would have a health care crisis due to the lack of doctors.
Now, obviously, the doctors don’t get to the U.S. by crawling through the Darien Gap, but usually enter the country with at least visitor visas, as well as go through a labyrinth of immigration requirements.
Although Florida hasn’t faced the flight of OB/GYN doctors as much as Tennessee, Texas, Idaho or Oklahoma due to restrictions on abortion and gender affirming care, there is significant bleeding there. So Florida is hoping immigrant doctors will fill the gap. Nothing like a little hypocrisy.
Prayer for the Day
Save us, O God, from the hypocrisy of politicians,
For they use language to stir people into fear and hatred;
Protect us, O Lord, from the sometimes concern of leaders,
For they use a morass of conflicting messages.
Help us look beyond the words that engender discord,
As we work for a society that welcomes all.
In the name of the One who helps us heal division,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Never underestimate cheap labor trumping xenophobia.
Comment by doctor on Instagram
Admittedly these physicians would need a valid visa, so need to find a sponsoring institution. But it looks like an area ripe for exploitation of the worst kind. I’m thinking of hospitals who will employ as many of these “providers” as possible as cheaply as possible under the purview of one “overseeing” physician. Cheaper than a U.S. MD and will be cheaper than a NP/PA. And people will gladly sign on the dotted line.
Comment by physician on Reddit
Whoever claims to love God and yet hates his brother or sister is a liar.
For whomever does not love his brother or sister whom they have seen,
Cannot love God whom they have not seen.
1 John 4:20
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