Catholic Charities' Migration and Refugee Services partners with Georgetown University Medical Professionals to offer training for refugees interested in the medical field

Partnership Helps Refugees Explore Opportunities to Serve as Doctors

ARLINGTON, Va. - On Wednesday, October 23, 2019, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) partnered with medical doctors from Georgetown University Hospital to offer a workshop to help refugees prepare for and secure careers as medical doctors. The free almost two-hour training was part of MRS' ongoing workforce development efforts to prepare refugees to build effectively upon their current skills. It was held at MRS' Arlington offices located at 80 N. Glebe Rd.

“Many refugees bring a wide array of professional skills from their home countries with them,” said Art Bennett, President and CEO, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington. “Helping them attain the credentialing to allow them to practice their profession in our country is an important aspect of how we at Catholic Charities accompany refugees and others as they strive to integrate fully into our community and contribute their gifts and skills to our diocese.”

The workshop aimed to help participants learn more about the medical profession in the U.S. and the steps needed to pursue a medical degree and/or job in the medical field. It featured a panel discussion with medical doctors from Georgetown University on pathways to a job in the medical profession, a question-and-answer session, and personalized one-on-one guidance for applying for medical school and jobs. Ten refugees with varying levels of experience in the medical field attended the training.

For more information on Catholic Charities' workforce training services, visit here.

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Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington serves the poor and vulnerable who live within the 21 counties and seven cities of the Diocese of Arlington, which is led by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge. Catholic Charities provides food for the hungry, a free medical clinic for men and women, including prenatal care, adoption services, transformational housing for the homeless, mental health counseling, emergency financial assistance, prison ministry, workforce development, and immigration and refugee services. Catholic Charities serves all, regardless of faith. www.ccda.net.