Letter: Lawyer’s take on J-1 doctors is offensive

Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007 | 1:46 a.m.

We read with great interest a Nov. 1 story in the Las Vegas Sun, "Doctor goes public, claims abuse." It describes Dr. Shaji Mathew's testimony against his former employer and sponsor, Dr. Ravi Krishnan.

Michael Stein, Dr. Krishnan's attorney, is quoted as saying that J-1 doctors are lucky to be paid good money in the United States instead of working in their home countries, "where they would probably get a bowl of rice for their services."

Stein's comment reeks of ignorance, bigotry and arrogance. He appears to be unaware that the barter system no longer exists. In most countries, doctors are well respected and hold a high place in society. Their education and earnings put them among the best-paid citizens and they enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

In the context in which this statement was made, he implies that J-1 doctors should be content with whatever they are paid for the services they provide in the United States. These physicians are as well qualified and work as hard, if not harder, than any other physician in this country. One of the legal requirements for sponsoring a J-1 doctor is that he or she be paid the "prevailing wage," the amount a similarly skilled American doctor would earn.

Ironically, Stein's attitude reflects the very attitude of the employers who exploit J-1 doctors, expecting gratitude and subservience in return for employment and an opportunity to stay in the United States. Physicians who choose to stay in the United States are not destitute and Stein's comment is an insult to all foreign medical graduates. God help him if he should ever need their services; he will need to bring more than a bowl of rice with him.

Meena Vohra and Kshama Daphtary, Las Vegas