From Barriers to Bridges: New Nonprofit Aims to Strengthen the Physician Pipeline for Latin American Medical Graduates

NATIONWIDE - AUGUST 2025 - (USAnews.com) — The United States is facing a projected shortage of up to 124,000 physicians by 2034, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. Rural and underserved communities are expected to feel the greatest impact, particularly those with high Latino populations and limited access to culturally and linguistically aligned care.

Dr. Julieta Argüelles believes part of the solution is already here—among the thousands of highly trained international medical graduates (IMGs) from Latin America who are eager to serve but face steep barriers to entering U.S. practice.

“These are talented physicians who could help address workforce shortages right now,” says Dr. Argüelles. “The problem is not their skill—it’s the lack of structured pathways to bring them into the system.”

A Targeted Solution: LATIMGS

In 2022, she founded LATIMGS—Latin International Medical Graduates and Students—to guide Latin American medical graduates through the complex process of U.S. licensure and clinical integration.

Through LATIMGS Academy, students can complete final-year internships in the U.S., gain clinical and research experience, and prepare for the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). The LATIMGS Community offers mentorship, mental health support, and leadership development—ensuring participants are prepared both academically and personally to succeed.

A Nonprofit With National Impact Potential

On August 8, 2025, LATIMGS became an official nonprofit and began its application for 501(c)(3) status, unlocking the potential for expanded programs, scholarships, and partnerships.

“Becoming a nonprofit allows us to scale,” Dr. Argüelles says. “We can directly strengthen the physician pipeline in areas where the shortage is most severe, especially in communities with significant Latino populations.”

Why LATIMGS Matters Now

• 124,000: Projected physician shortage in the U.S. by 2034 (AAMC)

• 20%: Share of the U.S. population that is Latino

• 6%: Share of physicians who are Latino

• 0 years: Time needed to start training international graduates already in the U.S. pipeline

• Immediate impact: Every LATIMGS-trained physician can begin addressing workforce shortages in underserved areas as soon as licensure is complete

Your support can:

• Fund scholarships for Latin American medical graduates

• Expand clinical rotation opportunities across the U.S.

• Build leadership and mentorship programs for the next generation of physicians

Contact LATIMGS to Partner or Donate:
Email: info@latimgs.org | jarguelles@latimgs.org

Why Donors Are Taking Notice

For philanthropic leaders and healthcare partners, LATIMGS offers a clear return on investment: every physician successfully integrated into the U.S. workforce represents years of training, immediate patient care capacity, and the ability to connect with underserved communities.

“This isn’t just about helping doctors,” Dr. Argüelles explains. “It’s about making sure every community has access to the physicians it needs. When we prepare and place these doctors, we’re solving a real workforce problem.”

How to Help

LATIMGS is seeking donors, sponsors, and institutional partners to help fund scholarships, expand clinical rotations, and grow leadership training programs.

“This is one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to expand the physician workforce in the U.S.,” says Dr. Argüelles. “It’s an investment in healthcare access, quality, and readiness.”

For more information, email info@latimgs.org or jarguelles@latimgs.org.

About LATIMGS

LATIMGS (Latin International Medical Graduates and Students) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2022 by Dr. Julieta Argüelles to support Latin American medical graduates in their pursuit of medical careers in the United States. LATIMGS Academy offers structured clinical, research, and exam preparation programs, while the LATIMGS Community provides mentorship, leadership development, and mental health resources. With its application for 501(c)(3) status underway, LATIMGS is committed to strengthening the physician pipeline, addressing workforce shortages, and improving patient access to qualified, culturally aligned care.

Join LATIMGS in rebuilding a healthcare system that reflects the richness of the communities it serves. Visit their Website and Instagram to learn more about how you can be a part of this transformative movement.