The Department of Homeland Security, under the Trump administration, proposed significantly raising H-1B visa fees from the current cap of $4,500 to up to $10,000, which has sparked concern across healthcare. Roughly 20% of U.S. physicians are international medical graduates, many on H-1B or J-1 visas. The American Hospital Association and AMA have both issued statements warning this could exacerbate physician shortages, especially for rural areas.As the physician shortage continues, the US could face a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Executive Edge: A new H-1B visa fee hike could restrict access to clinicians, worsening the existing workforce strain from the more-than half of healthcare workers considering changing jobs within the next year. Health systems may need to accelerate alternative workforce strategies, from AI to team-based care models. For partners offering efficiency or work-augmenting solutions, this is an opportunity to connect with health systems, offering tools to remain resilient amidst an uncertain landscape.