Pathology's historic 2019 incoming residents: Why “the internationalization of pathology” may markedly advance transfusion medicine and cellular therapeutics

Abstract

This study had two objectives: (1) to determine if, in the United States of America (US), the proportion of non-US citizen international medical graduates (non-US IMGs) entering pathology residencies had increased (again) in 2019 and (2) to assess how this multi-year trend might impact transfusion medicine in the US. Methods: The most recent (2019) "National Resident Matching Program" (NRMP) data were analyzed. To assess potential future impact, using controversies related to Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria, conflicting US and non-US perspectives were reviewed. Differences between published US and non-US views were identified regarding, for example, the value of Pf-resistant ("variant") red blood cells (RBCs) and exchange transfusions. Results: Year 2019 is the first year non-US IMGs were the largest group to fill residency-training positions for a major US specialty via the "Main Residency Match." Also notable, US and non-US views were found to differ markedly regarding (1) the value and safety of Pf-resistant RBC variants and exchange transfusions, and (2) the threat of drug-resistant Pf-malaria parasites. Non-US clinicians and researchers seem more concerned about Pfmalaria, and their interest in cellular therapies seems greater and more optimistic. Conclusions: In 2019, the historically high proportion of non-US IMGs among incoming pathology residents dramatically highlights the steady demographic shift that began years ago: "the internationalization of pathology" in the US. Fortunately, a review of publications related to exchange transfusion, Pf-malaria, and variant RBCs suggests non-US IMGs may markedly promote and advance cell therapies such as therapeutically-rational exchange (T-REX) of disease-resistant RBCs.