Every J-1 physician sponsored by ECFMG for clinical medical training is subject to the two-year home residency requirement. Many of these physicians are not ready to return home. The U.S. also needs these physicians to offset the severe shortage of physicians in many parts of the country. This panel explores the available options for obtaining a J-1 waiver for those physicians who commit to serve those populations. The panel will also discuss best practices in navigating the process and will provide tips for obtaining a successful outcome. Jennifer Minear, Elahe Najfabadi, Benjamin T. Kurten