Delta Doctors

To increase access to quality healthcare in Delta communities, the DRA has implemented the Delta Doctors program, which allows nondomestic physicians who are trained in this country to work in health professional shortage areas or medically under-served areas for three years through a J-1 visa waiver. Those in the Delta Doctors program do not take jobs away from U.S.-born physicians. Instead, they provide critical medical services in areas with a physician shortage.

DRA is able to recommend J-1 visa waivers to the U.S. Department of State. Medical school graduates from other countries normally are required to return to their home countries for at least two years after they complete their education; however, the J-1 visa waiver obtained under the Delta Doctors program allows graduates to stay in the United States if they spend at least three years in a medically under-served area. The physicians must provide primary care in their specialty fields for at least 40 hours a week. The Delta Doctors program also accepts waiver requests for medical specialists. Physicians must provide care to the indigent, Medicaid, and Medicare recipients. Physicians must practice at worksites located within DRA’s congressional-mandated footprint.

DRA has revised its guidelines for the Delta Doctors program and is ceasing the requirement and collection of the J-1 Visa Waiver application fee, effective October 1, 2022.

In 2019, DRA processed 160 applications for the Delta Doctors program.

FACT SHEET: Delta Doctors

More Information

For more information on the Delta Doctors program, please contact:

Christina Wade
Health Program Manager
(662) 302-7339
cwade@dra.gov

Anita Stasher
Health Programs Analyst
(662) 483-8209
astasher@dra.gov