Colorado Works for International Physicians

Reclaim Your Medical Career in Colorado!

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are community members with a Doctor of Medicine (MD degree or the international equivalent) completed outside the United States or Canada. The Colorado Works for International Physicians (CO-WIP) program is dedicated to supporting IMGs as they reclaim their medical careers as part of the Colorado healthcare workforce. CO-WIP was created through House Bill 22-1050 to realize the potential of Colorado’s immigrant physicians, close healthcare workforce gaps, diversify Colorado’s healthcare workforce, and advance intergenerational economic mobility. CO-WIP consists of two distinct sub-programs explained below.

CO-WIP’s Vision: Our vision is for international medical graduates (IMGs) of Colorado to successfully undergo clinical training and be selected for primary care residencies within the state, in order to enrich the diversity of Colorado’s physician workforce while filling physician shortages. 

About the CO-WIP Programs

Clinical Readiness Program with Denver Health

IMG Assistance Program with Spring Institute

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This is an intensive nine-month clinical training program to prepare Colorado’s immigrant physicians to match into accredited primary care residencies in Colorado.

This is a career navigation program through Spring Institute that supports IMGs with the process of medical licensure in Colorado. Navigation services include support with:

  • Participants will receive 9 months of paid clinical rotations
  • Once completed, IMGs will obtain letters of recommendation from Denver Health MDs, as well as assistance applying to residency programs
  • Education evaluation
  • English proficiency preparation for the OET Exam
  • 1-1 coaching sessions
  • Establishing an actionable goal plan
  • Financial assistance for USMLE preparation

Who is eligible for CO-WIP?

To be eligible for Denver Health’s Clinical Readiness Program, participants must meet these criteria:

  • At least two years of Colorado residency
  • Did not enter the US on a J1 visa or similar non-immigrant visa
  • Successfully completed MD Degree or international equivalent according to the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) guidance
  • ECFMG Certification including passing scores on USMLE Steps 1 & 2 within 3 attempts
  • Demonstrates typing proficiency
  • Demonstrates fluent English language proficiency
  • Completed vaccination record

To be eligible for Spring Institute’s IMG Assistance Program, participants must meet these criteria:

  • Reside permanently in the US as a US citizen or permanent resident
  • Did not enter the US on a J1 visa or similar non-immigrant visa following acceptance to US medical resident or fellowship
  • Successfully completed MD Degree or international equivalent
  • Advanced English language proficiency 

Join CO-WIP

If you meet the eligibility requirements above and are interested in CO-WIP, fill out this interest form or contact Jennifer Olson at jolson@springinstitute.org for more information.

Volunteer Opportunities

We offer a variety of flexible volunteer opportunities that make a difference in the lives of international medical graduates and the future patients they will serve. If you are interested in volunteering with the CO-WIP program, please fill out this Google Form.

More About Colorado's IMGs

Did you know?

  • By 2030, Colorado could see a shortage of 3,000 physicians
  • Colorado has 123 areas with healthcare shortages 
  • Colorado has nearly 3,000 immigrants whose health-related degrees are being underutilized 
  • Each licensed IMG physician serves a minimum of 1,900 patients annually 
  • In 2021, IMGs represented 21% of matches to residencies in the US, but only 3.4% in Colorado 
  • 1 rural physician in Colorado generates 26 jobs and $1.4 million for the clinic and hospital
  • From 2019-2022, Spring Institute’s Colorado Welcome Back program aided 200+ IMGs, leading to 34 matching to residencies, with only 1 returning to Colorado

How IMGs Obtain Medical Licenses in the United States

Click here to open the flowchart below in pdf format.

  • 1373 Grant St. Denver, CO 80203
  • (303) 863-0188

Testimonials

"Spring Institute made a big difference in my life."
"Thanks so much to The Interpreter Network for making our event materials accessible to the audience we really needed to reach!"
"Spring Institute does a great job connecting new immigrants and refugees with the Colorado community through education, intercultural and other skill-oriented training, and advocacy."
"The Interpreter Network is a great place to work. They are respectful with the interpreters, reliable and dependable with the clients."
"Spring Institute is a small but impactful organization full of change agents advocating for intercultural learning and awareness and immigrant and refugee communities."
"Spring Institute makes a difference for refugee and immigrant community members by building skills and confidence among English language students, promoting multigenerational learning and health literacy, and advocating for policy change to strengthen our welcoming community."
"Spring Institute is an absolutely wonderful organization that helps many people to realize themselves professionally and take their first bold step into life."
"As an immigrant, it was very important for me to have the information and knowledge that Spring Institute gave me. They helped me a lot to write a resume, told me how to behave in interviews, helped answer many questions. It was a huge help."
"Spring Institute is such a wonderful and amazing organization! I love what they do and how they help the community and the people in it. Thank you for looking out for people!"
"Spring Institute offers youth programs in the neighborhood where we live and during times that are good for us. Our parents trust the staff and so do we."
"Spring Institute is a great partner with other community organizations. I appreciate the collaborative work and important work to be done with immigrants and refugees."
“The instructor was knowledgeable and helpful and the training has shaped me to be a great interpreter and good person.”
"Our interpreter from The Interpreter Network was great to work with and his expertise made our event much more inclusive."
"The training is neatly organized and taught by an experienced, caring instructor. All the material is valuable as it prepares you well to handle real life situations. "
"Spring Institute is one of the best organizations because they help refugees and immigrants when they arrive in the U.S. and for years after. Their programs help families, grandparents, babies, children, and high schoolers."
"The Interpreter Network by Spring Institute did a wonderful job partnering with us to prepare materials for family outreach events. Their dedication to meeting our needs was consistent and prompt."
"So grateful for the incredible services offered by the Spring Institute!"
"Spring institute is the best organization to help the new American community of refugees & immigrants to be integrated in the USA and involved in different opportunities."
"The Interpreter Network is amazing and gave me the best experience [as an interpreter]."
"Completing the Bridging the Gap medical interpreter training through The Interpreter Network was an incredible experience- super efficient and effective training. Our lead instructor has a wealth of experience in, and knowledge of, the field. I cannot recommend Spring Institute enough."
John DoeCEO
"Spring Institute has very personable and supportive staff."
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