The IMG Podcast: Recent Episodes
Match A Resident
The IMG Podcast is dedicated to empowering International Medical Graduates (IMGs) across the globe through deep diving conversations, inspirational stories, analysis of Match trends and BEYOND! Our mission is to help you learn what it takes to succeed and to thrive as an International Medical Graduate. By providing comprehensive residency program research, educational resources, and an inspired community, we help IMGs accomplish their dreams of Matching into medical residency in the USA.
As the application release date is just around the corner, we are here to discuss what to be aware of when you are submitting your application, as well as what to expect after you've 'certified' and applied! Dr. Charles Clinton and Dr. Moe Ameri have been through this process before, and they understand how stressful it can be to feel as though all your hard work is hanging on this one moment. Check out their tips and guidance on how to get the most out of your application submission!
We are just days away from the application release date, and interview season will begin quickly once applications are released! You must be prepared and know what to expect during interviews to successfully secure a Match. In this episode, we have two guests who will share their insight and tips on what to expect during this process, as well as how to best prepare. Dr. Esha Jain and Dr. Jesus Guarecuco are IMGs who have successfully Matched, as well as helped their program conduct interviews. Check out their advice on approaching interviews confidently!
In this week's podcast, we break down the timeline of the entire Match cycle including important dates, tasks to complete and resources available. If you're feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to be focusing on each step of this cycle, this episode is for you! Utilize the checklists that we are offering and make sure to take notes of any dates or tasks you haven't begun that will need to be completed! Good luck!
We are very excited for a special edition of our IMG podcast this week, with the amazing guest, Dr. Nina Lum! She is the founder of the IMG Roadmap and mentors many IMGs from all over the world each cycle. Today, we are discussing how IMGs can effectively strategize their application and important details to remember on how to get your application to stand out.
As IMGs are beginning to put together their applications for residency, Match A Resident has launched a new tool that will assist with building and assessing your application for the 2025 Match. Dr. Miracle Eke joins our Director of Communications to discuss these new services and how to best utilize them
We are officially entering the 2025 Match Season, and if you are applying this year it is time to begin preparing your application! One of the first things to consider is obtaining your LORs and drafting your Personal Statement as they are major parts of your application. Additionally, you will want to consider how you are going to approach program selection and your ERAS application.
In this episode, our director of communications discussed how applicants who went UnMatched can move forward with Dr. Arun Nair. If you are reapplying for the next cycle, we cover how to better prepare yourself and identify points of your application that can be improved!
Dr. Obosa has successfully Pre-Matched into Pediatrics! She decided last year, as an older graduate, that she would take the plunge into taking her USMLEs. After taking her USMLEs within 6 months, she crafted a very strategic application and targeted a limited number of programs that she knew would be a great fit for her. Check out her advice on how to tailor your application and find the program that will help you flourish!
The residency application process is stressful, long and draining. The hardest part is there is no guarantee of a Match by going through it, despite the dedication and commitment it truly takes. We have a special podcast for the applicants who did not get the result they were looking for. We know how much of a toll it can take to end the cycle UnMatched so please take some time to take care of yourself and remember it is not a reflection on your ability as a doctor!
Dr. Shola has successfully Matched into Urology this cycle! She is here to share her advice on enhancing your application and preparing for the upcoming cycle. In regards to applicants who did not Match, she offers some words of encouragement and wisdom on how to pick yourself back up.
Dr. Sara is an older IMG who immigrated to the US for personal reasons, and found herself at the foot of the residency application process. She knew it would be stressful, but she decided that she wasn't going to give up until she obtained the position she knew she deserved. After not Matching the first cycle, she was able to obtain 27 months of US clinical experience, strong LORs and several publications which severely boosted her application and ultimately led to a Pre-Match offer in Internal Medicine. Listen to the episode to hear how she made her dreams come true, and what advice she would give to applicants with the same goal.
As we are approaching Match week, we are also getting closer to the Post-Match SOAP. While you may not want to participate in the SOAP, it is actually an opportunity if you allow it to be! In this podcast, we break down how the SOAP actually works and what to expect during that week. Additionally, we cover some ways that you can enhance your application and stay prepared to ensure success!
Dr Cynthia Tan is a PGY-3 Anesthesia resident, and she is here to help you understand what you can do to prepare for the Post-Match SOAP. From your supporting documents (Personal Statement, LORs), to interview prep and considering an additional specialty- there is a lot to understand about the SOAP if you think you may end up in the process.
The Rank Order list is now open, so we have brought Dr. Esha Jain on to dissect each part of determining your ROL and what it will mean come Match day. There are many things to be aware of, but it can be subjective based on what is most important to you! Check out our tips on determining what you want your future to look like, and how you can utilize your ROL to make that happen.
The Rank Order List opens on February 1st, so now is a good time to prepare and send your Letters of Interest. Dr. Sheri Walls is joining us in this episode to discuss methods that she used during her application season when sending Letters of Interest. It can seem like it may not be useful, or it's adding extra stress- but we highly recommend utilizing every tool to stand out in the Match cycle. Check out this episode to learn how to do just that!
It is the first podcast of the new year, and we have a great one for you! Dr. Bryan Carmody (aka the Sheriff of Sodium) joined us for a VERY insightful session. We discussed several of his resources (including his extensive YouTube videos) as well as what he has learned about the Match through personal experience. For those of you who are struggling to develop your ROL, obtain interviews or are simply just looking to learn more about what to expect throughout the residency application process- this episode is for you!
In this episode, our guest Dr. Emanuel Salcedo, shares details about his journey to residency and the many obstacles he had to overcome. He had to deal with taking the USMLE while sick with covid, and deal with all the barriers that came along with obtaining USCE during the pandemic. Thanks to perseverance and remaining consistent with his effort, he was able to Match! Check out his tips for IMGs currently dealing with the stress of the Match and what he learned from his experiences.
In this episode of the podcast, our Director of Communications is joined by Gazala Hitawala, a PGY-2 Neurology resident. As she experienced some hardships and circumstances out of her control during the Match, Gazala learned to keep a clear focus on her which helped her successfully Match. Since we are currently in the middle of interview season, she shares her tips on how to stay prepared, network and believe in yourself!
In this episode, we walk through Dr. Ishwari Chandran's journey to residency. She provides insights on when to begin preparation, how to remain motivated and what to expect going into residency. As she is now a PGY-2 Internal Medicine, she has a different understanding of what it means to be a doctor who is responsible for patients. Listen to how she learned her best practices and own method of care!
In this episode, we delve into the excitement and challenges that come with June, the month that ignites the residency application season and training for aspiring medical professionals. Join IMG Podcast host Tiffany as she shares invaluable tips throughout the residency journey. Tune in to gain insights and inspiration as we embark on this transformative phase in medical careers.
You asked, and we listened! We're bringing back another Success Stories episode. You all love them, and we have so much fun talking with our successfully matched IMGs. Tune in as one of our IMG podcast hosts Amanda interviews Dr. Lisa Prasad. Enjoy!
In this episode, we'll explore the latest updates to the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) for the 2023-2024 application season. We'll cover everything you need to know to navigate the application process. Tune in with IMG Podcast host Tiffany who will share valuable tips and advice on how to make your application stand out and increase your chances of landing those interviews. Don't miss out on this must-listen episode!
From surging applications to virtual interviews, join IMG Podcast host Tiffany as she reflects on the 2023 Residency Application Cycle and what to look for in 2024.
As we wrap up the Success Series, Join IMG Podcast host Tiffany and her special guest Dr. Hammad Malik as he shares his inspiring journey to residency. If you can’t get enough, hop over to MAR’s YouTube channel where we will continue to share in your success. Congrats!❤️
It's the day every residency applicant waits for: Match Day! Join IMG Podcast host Tiffany and her special guest Dr. Espernce Madera as she shares her inspiring journey to residency.
It’s the day every residency applicant waits for: Match Day! Join IMG Podcast host Tiffany and her special guest Dr. Laura Rivro Fernandez de Alaiza as she shares her inspiring journey to residency.
It’s the day we have all been waiting for: Match Day! Join IMG Podcast host Tiffany and her special guests Drs. Sabina and Dana Dhami as they share their inspiring journey to residency. It’s a celebration you don’t want to miss! Tune in n.o.w.
“Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations…”
This quote cannot be more fitting as we close in on the end of a memorable journey to 2023 residency. Join host Tiffany as she has an open conversation (and words of encouragement) with her audience about Match Week and how that will look different from one applicant to the next. MAR has no doubt that you are ready for the next chapter...
Finally! Rank Order Lists (ROLs) are in and March 13, 2023 is around the corner. You can breathe a sigh of relief, BUT not for long. Now is the time to prepare for SOAP in the event you are partially matched or unmatched. Join host Tiffany and MAR ambassador Dr. Esha Jain as we get up close and personal about all things SOAP. Download now!...
The number 24 is not just the name of a binge-worthy TV series or the number of hours you spend constantly thinking about med school/residency. The 24th of February is also Thank a Resident Day this year! Join host Tiffany and MAR Ambassador Dr. Esha Jayne as we celebrate this milestone day and reflect on resident contributions to the medical community. This month is also Black History Month; tune in to learn about historical moments in Black history and the future of diversity in medicine.
By now, all IMGs who entered the 2022-2023 resident application cycle are toward the finish line. If you hear “rank order list” again, you might scream. Don’t fret, this episode is dedicated to international medical students. Join host Tiffany as she interviews Match A Resident Ambassador and MS3 student Zein Khater about the ups and downs of medical school life.
The 16 days leading up to Match Day are no laughing matter…until now! Join IMG Podcast host Tiffany and her Match A Resident Ambassadors Dr. Sherri Walls and Dr. Paul Osunwa, Jr. as we take a trip down memory lane and recount their experience when finding out if they matched and where they would be relocating. Within the laughter, however, are honest insights, tips, and advice IMGs can use to manage emotions and make the wait less stressful. Tune in and enjoy the fun.
A topic so nice, we had to do it twice! Ranking is officially open. In this episode, join host Tiffany and special guest - Match A Resident’s own - Amanda Wardle as we continue the ranking conversation and discuss the pitfalls to avoid when building your rank order list (ROL).
When you speak with intention, you are more mindful of the words coming out of your mouth and through your fingertips. As we continue our discussion regarding communication during the interview and post-interview process, this episode will focus on the letter of intent (LOI). Join host Tiffany as she interviews Match A Resident Ambassador Dr. Esha Jain and her thoughts on sending the perfect LOI. Very insightful Q&A. Tune in now!
The power of gratitude and practicing thankfulness may seem like just another chore on your list of to-do's, but it far outweighs the few minutes it takes to practice it. This is especially true when sending those interview thank-you follow-up communications to programs! In this episode, Tiffany is going to give you her honest and straightforward advice for developing the perfect communication strategy. This is definitely an episode you don't want to miss!
What better way to kick off the new year than re-energizing with IMG Podcast?! In this episode, we will take a look back at how far you’ve come in the residency application cycle and what you can look forward to as we push forward and make it to the Match finish line. January is a very unique time in the process. Tune in and let Match A Resident help you prepare for what’s in store.
Developing a Match rank-order list is highly individualized. The factors one values in a residency program are widely varied. With that being said, there are common themes and mistakes that medical students and other residency applicants should look to consider (and avoid!). This episode will discuss ranking from the perspectives of Match A Resident Ambassadors Dr. Sheri Walls and Dr. Paul Onsunwa, Jr. It’s a conversation you don’t want to miss!
As we get further into the post-application season, we know that all applicants are feeling the pressure of interviews; especially the candidates who have not received as many interviews as they had hoped. This is not the time to give into panic, it is instead time to evaluate what you can do to improve your chances at a Match. Despite the chaos around application, Match A Resident is here to remind you that it only takes one successful interview! In this episode we will discuss how to gain interviews and be prepared to knock them out of the park.
How many interviews will allow me to successfully match? Is there a magical number? In this episode Tiffany discusses everything about the interview process, from doing the happy dance when you get an interview to the thank you letter after the interview.
The IMG Podcast will be hosting a new series exclusive to our Podcast. Match a Resident ambassadors will be discussing mental health concerns that can arise during medical school and match seasons. Match a Resident wants to be at the frontlines at removing the stigma surrounding mental health. We’re all in this together.
Dr. Serrano AKA @theneurologist is a Neurology Resident and Match A Resident Ambassador. We speak to Dr Edwin Serrano about: Mental Health during the Residency Application Process, how to take care of yourself and how to be you yourself during the interview process.
Our Ambassadors held a webinar to discuss the difference between letters of interest and letters of intent as well as the importance of program communication throughout the match season.
Follow them on IG:
@dr_mynameissheri
@tarajamiesonmusic
Subscribe to Tara's YT channel @Tara Jamieson
Match2023 #InternationalMedicalGraduates #USMedicalResidency #IMGResidency #IMG #ResidencyPrep #InterviewPrep #ResidencyInterview #Interview #Letterofinterest #letterofintent
Our MAR Ambassadors got together for a webinar on everything you need to know about applying to the match. From 3rd year residents to MS4's, from Neurology residents to Family Medicine residents, get all the tips from this well qualified group of Ambassadors.
Alekhya is an IMG who went to Med school in India. She is from the south part of India- Hyderabad. She is a mom of 2 who is very passionate, persistent and patient which made her reach her goals of matching into radiation oncology.
Our Success Stories Series aims to provide detailed analysis of applicants match journey and what steps they took to match successfully!
Dr. Edwin Serrano shares his experience as a PGY1 Neurology Resident. It can be a tough transition into a competitive field, but he is learning how to navigate and grow.
Tune in for insight on what it's like to be a resident in this field.
The IMG Podcast will be hosting a new series exclusive to our Podcast. Match a Resident ambassadors will be discussing mental health concerns that can arise during medical school and match seasons. Match a Resident wants to be at the frontlines at removing the stigma surrounding mental health. We’re all in this together.
On this episode we speak to Dr. Mónica Burgos! Monica speaks about the challenges she faced during the application process and how it affected her mental health.
The IMG Podcast will be hosting a new series exclusive to our Podcast. Match a Resident ambassadors will be discussing mental health concerns that can arise during medical school and match seasons. Match a Resident wants to be at the frontlines at removing the stigma surrounding mental health. We’re all in this together.
On this episode we speak to Victor Adedara! Hear his mental health journey here.
"I am Victor O. Adedara from Brooklyn, New York, where I learned about myself. I attended the City University of New York/City Tech, where I obtained a BSc in Biomedical Informatics, an Associate degree in Chemical Technology, and a master's degree in Translational medicine from City College of New York. My medical inspiration journey started at the age of 16 when I firsthand experienced a lack of cultural competency. My experience propelled me to explore more in the medical field. I was determined to attend medical school. In doing so, I enrolled in a science major, which I realized was not a requirement. I conducted four years of benchwork research during my undergrad and represented my college in a research exchange program in Colombia. My experience in Colombia was a memorable one. I felt welcomed by the people. I was taught Spanish as the day went by. I was interested in being culturally aware and culturally humbled. All these attributes made me realize I would be a great physician. So, I went on to shadow a physician in 2016 and attended a minority in medicine program at Sidney Kimmel Medical College, where I learned a lot about ways to tackle social determinants of health. Currently, I am an MS2 at St Georges University School of Medicine. I chose to attend SGU because of its resources and how it shapes future physicians."
Dr. Domingo Cabreja earned his medical degree from the Iberoamerican University School of Medicine, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in 2018. As a medical student he was involved in clinical research focused on the effects of radiosurgery to the optic apparatus in patients with perioptic tumors. In early 2019 he joined Dr. Quinones-Hinojosa at the Mayo Clinic in Florida as a visiting physician and subsequently joined his laboratory as a visiting research fellow.
His research focused on the influence of supramarginal resection on the survival of glioblastoma patients. In 2020, he became a research fellow in cerebrovascular neurosurgery under the mentorship of Dr. Rabih G. Tawk. During his time at the Mayo Clinic Florida, Dr. Domingo has contributed to over 45 peer-reviewed manuscripts, several conference presentations and book chapters, obtained multiple intramural and extramural grants, and submitted a provisional patent application for a novel endovascular device.
Follow him on IG: https://www.instagram.com/radomingoc/
Follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/radomingoc
The IMG Podcast will be hosting a new series exclusive to our Podcast. Match a Resident ambassadors will be discussing mental health concerns that can arise during medical school and match seasons. Match a Resident wants to be at the frontlines at removing the stigma surrounding mental health. We’re all in this together.
Rosa Hernandez, MS4, discusses her journey to medical school, the challenges and setbacks she has faced, and how to stay resilient in the face of difficulty. Hear more about the signs and symptoms of burnout and how to persevere by listening today.
The IMG Podcast: New Eras Application Cycle for IMG’s
In this episode of the IMG podcast, Zef goes over all things relevant to the 2022-2023 application cycle. Going over what you need to be doing, when you need to be doing it, how you need to be doing it and of course the support and assistance you can get along the way from Match a Resident.
@Dr. Apurva Popat has been teaching medical science since his second year of medical school and has coached over 50 students in preparation for the USMLE Exams.
He is well-known for his clear conceptualized visual explanations using the digital board, which simplifies complex medical concepts. Adding to his passion for teaching, he has designed over 130 medical videos on YouTube covering anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, medicine, and otolaryngology.
Follow him on IG: https://www.instagram.com/drapurva_po...
Follow him on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ApurvaPopat
The IMG Podcast will be hosting a new series exclusive to our Podcast. Match a Resident ambassadors will be discussing mental health concerns that can arise during medical school and match seasons. Match a Resident wants to be at the frontlines at removing the stigma surrounding mental health. We’re all in this together.
Our first guest is MAR Ambassador Dr. Jennifer Rojas, a PGY-1 Internal Medicine Resident who graduated from Universidad Central de Venezuela. Escuela Luis Razetti. Dr. Rojas talks about dealing with the pressure of medical school and the importance of exercise when dealing with mental health issues.
Tara Jamieson is an MS4 studying at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Along with being an incoming pediatric resident at Boston Combined Residency Program (Harvard/BU), she also was a semi-finalist on the second season of Ireland’s Got Talent and now shares her musical talents and medical school tips/insights every week on her YouTube channel @Tara Jamieson
Find Tara on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaraJamieson/featured
Follow Her on IG: https://www.instagram.com/tarajamiesonmusic/
Connect Online: https://www.tarajamieson.ca/
Esha Jain was born and raised in Toronto Canada and was introduced early on to medicine through her father who is also a doctor. Esha has been dedicated to serving her local and global community. She volunteered and raised money through her passions in Indian classical dance for the Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto. She also volunteered in South Africa and Costa Rica where she provided clinical education to those in need. Esha pursued medical school at the American University of Antigua and graduated in 2021.
She enjoys playing many sports including soccer and ice hockey, loves to draw, travel, and watch Lord of the Rings on repeat. Her aspirations for residency are to develop into a competent and compassionate family physician and help lead the inaugural class of family medicine at cooper university in NJ.
Follow Dr. Esha on IG: https://www.instagram.com/Roundswith.e/
Dr. Melissa Luu is a native of Oregon. She has always wanted to pursue medicine and gained that opportunity with her acceptance into SGU. She has had her heart set on emergency medicine throughout medical school, but went in with an open mind.Her heart ultimately won (and luckily it did!), and she applied EM or bust. As of last week, she is grateful to share she matched into her dream specialty of emergency medicine at her top choice program.
You can follow Dr. Luu on Instagram @Mlgoldson92
Dr. Andrew Gutwein, M.D., F.A.C.P. is the Program Director at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi (Jacobi Medical Center) in Internal Medicine. He is also an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
He shares his insight into the residency application process in 2022 and provides tips for applying in 2023, with a focus on International Medical Graduate (IMG) Applicants.