While each country has its own medical guidelines, the purpose behind most immigration physicals is to ensure that you’re mentally and physically fit for residency. For example, to gain residency in the US, you need to have a physical performed by a doctor who’s cleared by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). During this physical, Dr. McElya checks for the following:
- The presence of communicable diseases
- Vaccinations
- The existence of a mental disorder
- Substance abuse problems
The requirements for Australia, New Zealand, and Canada may differ slightly, but the basic idea is the same: to ensure that you’re not a public health liability in any way.
Every country requires a physical examination to be conducted as a standard procedure. The examination is carried out by Dr. McElya, who performs a thorough medical check-up on the patient. Dr. McElya takes X-rays to detect the presence of tuberculosis and to identify any potential health problems that could pose a risk to others. The X-rays are taken to examine the chest and lungs.
During the physical examination, Dr. McElya checks the following body parts:
- Eyes, ears, nose, and throat: The doctor examines these parts for any signs of infection or abnormality.
- Extremities: The doctor checks arms, legs, hands, and feet for any swelling, deformities, or other abnormalities.
- Heart: The doctor listens to the patient's heart to check for any irregularities or abnormalities.
- Lungs: The doctor listens to the patient's lungs to check for any wheezing, crackling, or other sounds that could indicate any respiratory issues.
- Abdomen: The doctor checks the abdomen for any tenderness, swelling, or masses.
- Lymph nodes: The doctor examines the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin for any swelling or tenderness.
- Skin: The doctor checks the skin for any rashes, discoloration, or lesions.
If necessary, Dr. McElya may take X-rays to check for tuberculosis. Additionally, during the exam, Dr. McElya performs a mental evaluation to assess the patient's cognitive function and mental health.