Results of evaluating U.S. exchange programs for foreign medical graduates (FMGs) are presented. After reviewing the roles of sponsors of exchange visitor programs and identifying specific sponsors, attention is directed to entry patterns of exchange visitor physicians, and the value of these programs to both home countries and the United States. Findings are reported separately for 14 issues, and the value of exchange programs for 20 countries is discussed. Findings show: there are over 230 public and private sponsoring organizations; in any given year since 1979, there were about 4,500 physician exchange visitors present in the United States, of which about 2,500 were new entrants; and the total number of FMGs in graduate medical education positions has remained at 12,000 to 13,000 per year from 1977-1978 to 1981-1982. Information is also provided on countries of origin of immigrant physicians and exchange visitor FMGs, and the return home of exchange visitor FMGs. Additional contents include information on the benefits of participation for specific FMGs, recommendations regarding exchange programs, a chronological listing of relevant legislation, a bibliography, and a revision of a report by Thomas D. Dublin entitled "The Changing Role of the Foreign Medical Graduate in the Practice of Medicine in the U.S." (SW)