A survey of training directors in psychiatry was conducted to explore criterion areas in foreign medical graduate selection by comparing the perceived importance of 11 selection criteria between American medical graduates (AMGs) and foreign medical graduates (FMGs). Our study found that training directors use much the same criteria for evaluating FMGs as AMGs. For both groups, great emphasis was placed on personality factors, psychological mindedness, ability to communicate, and performance in the interview. Referrals by faculty received equal importance for both groups. The examination scores were seen as more important for FMGs and the transcripts and the reference letters marginally more important for AMGs. This is interpreted as a reflection of a lack of reliable sources of information about medical education received from abroad and a greater familiarity with, and confidence in, the evaluative methods used in American medical schools. Familiarity with American subcultures was seen as a more important criterion for evaluating FMGs than AMGs. The implications of these findings are discussed, and some suggestions are made regarding selection of FMGs.Abstract Teaser