Why is the J-1 Visa Waiver Program so important to rural health?
• The J-1 Visa Waiver program has been instrumental in maintaining access to healthcare in rural communities when other recruitment efforts have failed. Since the J-1 Visa Waiver is contingent upon a physician working in a HPSAs, MUA/Ps, and MHPSAs, the program produces a win-win situation for the physician and community. The physician is able to stay in the United States to practice and an underserved community gets a much-needed physician.