Preparation for Residency Program

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In 2010, the University of Minnesota Department of Family Medicine and Community Health was asked to develop a first-of-its-kind training program to help refugee physicians get back in to the practice of medicine.

The Program

The Preparation for Residency Program (PRP) is a seven-month training program designed for international medical graduates seeking U.S. clinical experience. Training includes exposure to U.S. medical education, three months of a hospital observership, and three months in an ambulatory family medicine clinic.

The program is only available to those who do not meet the U.S. clinical experience criteria for applying for a family medicine residency. Completion of training does not guarantee acceptance into residency.

The Needs

There are estimated to be more than 200 refugee physicians in Minnesota who have not been able to return to practice. Many belong to some of the state's most underserved communities and retraining through PRP will help them get back to work in the communities that need them most.

Recent Press

• Access Minnesota
• MinnPost

Program Support

PRP is a product of collaboration among the Minnesota State Legislature, University of Minnesota, and Somali Health Professionals Organization.

Learn More

• Apply.
• Read a program overview.
• Find out how PRP is innovating medical education.