Speech #910005869

On examinations which were passed by ninetyeight percent of United States graduates. only forty percent of the foreign medical graduates achieved a passing score. Furthermore. the scores of those who did pass were clustered just above the passing mark rather than spread out through higher scores like those of United States graduates. I would therefore urge admission under immigration laws based on successful completion of an examination which will more adequately reflect whether a visa applicant has the equivalent quality training of U.S. medical schools. I would further advise that I have today introduced legislation that makes issuance of an immigration visa to foreign medical doctors contingent upon satisfactory completion of such an examination. In accordance with recommendations of President Johnsons Advisory Committee the examination is to be administered and formulated by the National Board of Medical Examiners. However. under my bill the Secretary of Labor would be authorized to waive this requirement where. because of their distinguished prior experience. aliens manifest sufficient competence to practice medicine in the United States.