The IMG Roadmap Podcast

Hosted by Dr. Nina Lum

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Apr 2026

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The IMG Roadmap is the only podcast dedicated to guiding International Medical Graduates (IMGs) with success blueprints for this unique pathway. This podcast offers practical tools and equips IMGs with applicable strategies to achieve their “US doctor goals”. I do so by bringing information from successful physicians with first hand experience to students who are still in the process of becoming resident physicians.

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April 14, 202648 min

154. The IMG Dermatology Match Everyone Said Was Impossible with Dr. Ramirez (IMG Roadmap Series #133)

Quick pause!Want to stay inspired with content tailored specifically to IMG’s looking to create their medical success story? Sign up for the⁠ IMG Roadmap Newsletter⁠ so you never miss a beat!*****In this powerful episode of the IMG Roadmap Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Ramirez, a physician from Medellín, Colombia, who matched into dermatology at Stanford University. In a specialty that is often labeled “impossible” for IMGs, Dr. Ramirez’s story is a reminder that strategy, research, persistence, and the right mentorship can open doors many people assume are closed.We talk through what it actually took for her to stand out, from building a strong dermatology-focused CV to securing a paid postdoctoral research position, networking intentionally, and navigating the U.S. application process as a visa-requiring IMG.This episode is especially important for IMGs aiming for competitive specialties and wondering whether their dream is too far out of reach.In this episode, we discuss:How Dr. Ramirez matched dermatology as an IMGWhy a postdoctoral research position made such a big differenceHow she found research opportunities through cold emailing, conferences, and social mediaThe role research, mentorship, and networking played in her applicationHer Step 1 and Step 2 performance and what scores matter in dermatologyHow she used observerships and U.S. clinical exposure strategicallyWhy prior connection to programs matters so much in competitive specialtiesWhat IMGs should know before pursuing dermatologyThe mindset shift needed to go after a dream people keep calling impossibleAbout Dr. RamirezDr. Ramirez is a Colombian physician and postdoctoral scholar whose work focuses on dermatology, AI, digital health, and healthcare equity. She recently matched into dermatology at Stanford University after completing a research-heavy postdoctoral experience in the U.S.If you’ve ever wondered whether matching into dermatology as an IMG is truly possible, this is the episode you need to hear.Handy Links:Dr. Ramirez’ Instagram, @marianaramirez.mdDr. Ramirez’ Linkedin, Dr. Mariana Ramirez PosadaIMG Live webinar on drninalum.comSign up for the IMG Roadmap Course******Interested in writing your own medical success story? We've got you covered. Here's how you can join the IMG Roadmap Community Today: - for IMG-related questions: ⁠⁠⁠drlum@imgroadmap.com⁠⁠⁠- for course-related questions: ⁠⁠⁠admin@imgroadmap.com⁠⁠⁠*****Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for supportive content and download our targeted ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠planner from our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and consider joining our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to kick start your IMG journey.As always you can click on the following links to listen to more episodes of our podcasts on⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Apple podcasts⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Youtube Music⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠.

April 5, 2026Episode 15435 min

153. From the UK to UMass: How Dr. Miranda Matched with Strategy, Not Luck! (IMG Roadmap Series #132)

Quick pause!Want to stay inspired with content tailored specifically to IMG’s looking to create their medical success story? Sign up for the⁠ IMG Roadmap Newsletter⁠ so you never miss a beat!*****What does it actually take to match as an IMG without over-applying, without perfect stats, and without a “traditional” path?Dr. Miranda proves that success in the Match isn’t about doing everything — it’s about doing the right things, at the right time.A US-IMG trained in the UK, Dr. Miranda made a strategic decision early in medical school to pursue the U.S. pathway. Instead of rushing, she built her application intentionally — gaining clinical experience, leveraging mentorship, and learning how to think like the exam.The result? 16 interviews from just 75 applications — and a match at UMass. What You’ll Learn:In this episode, she breaks down exactly how she did it — including what she would do differently, what actually mattered, and what most IMGs are getting wrong.Why starting early matters more than being “smart”How to balance USMLE prep while training outside the U.S.The real reason most IMGs plateau on Step examsHow to apply smarter, not just moreWhat actually gets you interviews (hint: it’s not just scores)Why networking can outperform your CVHow to build a competitive application without “perfect” researchMentioned in this Episode:HyguruCCHFWho This Is For:IMGs training outside the U.S.Students unsure when to start the USMLE journeyApplicants overwhelmed by conflicting adviceAnyone who thinks they’re “too late” or “not competitive enough”******Interested in writing your own medical success story? We've got you covered. Here's how you can join the IMG Roadmap Community Today: - for IMG-related questions: ⁠⁠⁠drlum@imgroadmap.com⁠⁠⁠- for course-related questions: ⁠⁠⁠admin@imgroadmap.com⁠⁠⁠*****Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for supportive content and download our targeted ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠planner from our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and consider joining our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to kick start your IMG journey.As always you can click on the following links to listen to more episodes of our podcasts on⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Apple podcasts⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Youtube Music⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠

March 29, 202647 min

152. From IMG to Neurology Chief Resident: Here is what matters for residency! Dr. Nishita Bujala's IMG Success Story (IMG Roadmap Series #131)

Quick pause!Want to stay inspired with content tailored specifically to IMG’s looking to create their medical success story? Sign up for the⁠ IMG Roadmap Newsletter⁠ so you never miss a beat!*****Not every IMG journey is linear and this podcast episode with Dr. Nishitha proves exactly why that’s okay. 💙Building US clinical experience at top institutions and ultimately matching into Neurology—her story is a masterclass in resilience and strategy.🔹 She didn’t wait for perfect, she took action🔹 She created opportunities instead of waiting for them🔹 She turned a prelim year into her breakthrough🔹 She focused on growth, not comparison🔹 She kept going even when it would’ve been easier to stopNow she’s thriving as a senior resident and future chief.If you’ve ever doubted your chances, felt behind, or questioned if it’s still worth it—this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now and see what’s possible when you stay in the process.Connect with Dr. Nishitha:@thegirlnextdoctor******Interested in writing your own medical success story? We've got you covered. Here's how you can join the IMG Roadmap Community Today: - for IMG-related questions: ⁠⁠⁠drlum@imgroadmap.com⁠⁠⁠- for course-related questions: ⁠⁠⁠admin@imgroadmap.com⁠⁠⁠*****Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for supportive content and download our targeted ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠planner from our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and consider joining our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to kick start your IMG journey.As always you can click on the following links to listen to more episodes of our podcasts on⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Apple podcasts⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Youtube Music⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠

March 22, 2026Episode 15245 min

151. How Dr. Davion Bartholomew Secured a Pre-Match Offer Despite Multiple Step 1 Attempts (IMG Roadmap Series #130)

Quick pause!Want to stay inspired with content tailored specifically to IMG’s looking to create their medical success story? Sign up for the⁠ IMG Roadmap Newsletter⁠ so you never miss a beat!*****What happens when your journey does not go according to plan?When you graduate medical school, start working, begin studying for the USMLE, fail Step 1 more than once, and watch your peers move on with life while you feel stuck?In this episode of the IMG Roadmap Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Davion Bartholomew, a U.S. citizen IMG from Trinidad and Tobago who shares the real story behind her journey to a family medicine pre-match offer.This is not a story of overnight success.It is a story of:repeated setbacksrebuilding after failurelearning the true reason she was failingchanging her mindsetapplying broadlyusing every connection availableand trusting the process even when it felt impossibleIf you are an IMG who has ever failed an exam, questioned your future, or felt behind in life, this episode is for you.In This Episode, We Talk About:What it’s like to graduate medical school in Trinidad and Tobago and work while trying to pursue U.S. residencyWhy she initially chose not to get coaching—and why she later changed her mindHow failing Step 1 twice affected her mentally and emotionallyThe hidden root cause of her exam failureWhy mindset was the biggest shift in her journeyHow she changed her study strategy and passedHow she applied to 111 programsHow she landed 9 interviewsHow one “accidental” in-person interview became a pre-match offerWhat pre-match really meansWhy family medicine was still her number-one choiceWhat she would say to any IMG struggling after failureKey Takeaways1. Failure is not the end of the roadEven after multiple attempts, it is still possible to match.2. You must identify the real reason you failedFor Dr. Davion, it wasn't a lack of knowledge. It was endurance.3. Mindset matters more than people realizeChanging her internal dialogue changed how she studied, how she showed up, and how she moved forward.4. Broad application strategy mattersShe applied to 111 programs, mostly family medicine, and used every connection she had.5. Pre-match can still happen—even when your application isn’t “perfect”She matched despite Step 1 attempts and being five years out from graduation.About Dr. Davion BartholomewDr. Davion Bartholomew is a U.S. citizen IMG from Trinidad and Tobago who graduated medical school from the University of the West Indies in 2020. She is currently working as a house officer in Emergency Medicine and has now secured a pre-match offer in Family Medicine in Pennsylvania.Connect with Dr. DavionInstagram: @davi_bartholomewMentioned in This EpisodeIMG Roadmap Planner drninalum.com/calendarIMG Roadmap Waitlist drninalum.com/waitlist******Interested in writing your own medical success story? We've got you covered. Here's how you can join the IMG Roadmap Community Today: - for IMG-related questions: ⁠⁠⁠drlum@imgroadmap.com⁠⁠⁠- for course-related questions: ⁠⁠⁠admin@imgroadmap.com⁠⁠⁠*****Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for supportive content and download our targeted ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠planner from our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and consider joining our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to kick start your IMG journey.As always you can click on the following links to listen to more episodes of our podcasts on⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Apple podcasts⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Youtube Music⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠.

March 15, 2026Episode 15152 min

150. From Surgery to Anesthesiology: Dr. Christian Matishak’s Journey Through the Match (IMG Roadmap Series #129)

Quick pause!Want to stay inspired with content tailored specifically to IMG’s looking to create their medical success story? Sign up for the⁠ IMG Roadmap Newsletter⁠ so you never miss a beat!*****What happens when you do everything right…But the system still says no?In this episode of the IMG Roadmap Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Christian Matishak, a Canadian IMG who scored 250 on Step 1 and 265 on Step 2 — yet still struggled to match into residency.His journey includes:Applying to general surgeryMatching preliminary surgeryGoing through the Match three timesBeing told he could not reapply to surgery because of visa rulesPivoting into anesthesiologyFinally matching and becoming an attending anesthesiologistThis conversation is honest, raw, and incredibly important for IMGs who believe test scores alone will carry their application.Because the truth is:The Match is more complicated than that.What We DiscussWhy high USMLE scores still didn’t lead to a surgery matchWhat IMGs often misunderstand about residency competitivenessThe mistakes he believes hurt his applicationWhy personality and presence matter during rotationsThe hidden visa rule that prevents prelim residents from re-entering the match in some casesWhy he ultimately pivoted to anesthesiologyWhat a “suicide match” meansLife now as an attending anesthesiologist on a J-1 waiverThe mindset that carried him through three match cyclesKey Lessons for IMGs1️⃣ Scores alone are not enoughEven a 250/265 score profile does not guarantee a match in competitive specialties.2️⃣ Clinical performance mattersQuiet students who do not speak up in the OR may be overlooked.Programs want to know:“Do we want to work with this person for 4 years?”3️⃣ Visa rules can change your optionsSome visa restrictions prevent residents from re-entering the match for certain specialties once they’ve progressed in training.4️⃣ Pivoting is not failureDr. Matishak pivoted from surgery to anesthesia and discovered a career he genuinely enjoys.5️⃣ Positivity matters more than people thinkAfter two unsuccessful matches, he made one mental shift:“Things are going to work out.”That mindset changed everything.Where He Is Now?Dr. Matishak is now an attending anesthesiologist in Little Rock, Arkansas, completing his J-1 waiver while building a career that once seemed impossible.Connect With Dr. MatishakInstagram : @CMATISHAKLinkedIn: Christian Matishak*****Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for supportive content and download our targeted ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠planner from our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and consider joining our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to kick start your IMG journey.As always you can click on the following links to listen to more episodes of our podcasts on⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Apple podcasts⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Youtube Music⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠

February 15, 2026Episode 14815 min

149. The SOAP Survival Guide: What Every IMG Needs to Know

Quick pause!Want to stay inspired with content tailored specifically to IMG’s looking to create their medical success story? Sign up for the⁠⁠ IMG Roadmap Newsletter⁠⁠ so you never miss a beat!*****Match week is emotional.But SOAP is not chaos — it’s structured.In this episode, I walk you through exactly how the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) works, who is eligible, and how to prepare before match week so you are not scrambling in panic.If you are an IMG in the current cycle, this episode is mandatory listening.If you’re applying next year, this is your preparation blueprint.What I Cover in This EpisodeWhat SOAP actually is and why it existsWho qualifies for SOAPThe real reason people don’t match (hint: it’s not always credentials)IMG statistics in SOAPThe exact SOAP timeline (round-by-round breakdown)The rules you must NOT breakHow to prepare your application nowHow to build your SOAP support systemWhat to update in ERAS before match weekWhy emotional preparation matters as much as strategyCritical SOAP Timeline (Match Week)Monday (11 AM): You find out if you matchedTuesday–Wednesday: Programs review applications + interviewThursday: 4 offer roundsRound 1: 9–11 AMRound 2: 12–2 PMRound 3: 3–5 PMRound 4: 6–8 PMThursday 9 PM: SOAP endsFriday: Match DayIf you get an offer, you have 2 hours to respond.You must be ready.What You Should Be Doing NOWUpdate and polish your personal statementUpload strong LORs (you can still add new ones)Identify 5–6 support people for match weekPlan childcare/work adjustments if neededPrepare emotionallyKnow the rules (NRMP SOAP policy link below)Rules You Cannot BreakNo contacting programs outside ERASNo negotiating offersNo accepting multiple offersNo back-channelingViolations can follow you into future cycles.Recommended Episodes:Episode #54 – Dr. Emmanuel Morakinyo (SOAP Success Story) https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/54-img-roadmap-series-69-dr-emmanuel-morakinyo-internal/id1490731292?i=1000512802728Official NRMP SOAP Policieshttps://www.nrmp.org/residency-applicants/soap/SOAP is not the end of your story.Preparation beats panic.And I’m here to help you prepare.******Interested in writing your own medical success story? We've got you covered. Here's how you can join the IMG Roadmap Community Today:- for IMG-related questions: ⁠⁠⁠drlum@imgroadmap.com⁠⁠⁠- for course-related questions: ⁠⁠⁠admin@imgroadmap.com⁠⁠⁠*****Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for supportive content and download our targeted ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠planner from our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and consider joining our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to kick start your IMG journey.As always you can click on the following links to listen to more episodes of our podcasts on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Apple podcasts⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Youtube Music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠

February 8, 202618 min

148. New H-1B Applicants After Sept 2025? Here’s What I’d Do

Quick pause!Want to stay inspired with content tailored specifically to IMG’s looking to create their medical success story? Sign up for the⁠ IMG Roadmap Newsletter⁠ so you never miss a beat!*****There’s been a lot of fear circulating online about a proposed $100,000 fee for new H-1B applications, and I’ve been getting questions nonstop from IMGs who are worried about what this could mean for their future.In this episode, I break down what’s actually being discussed, who this proposal may apply to, and—most importantly—how I would think about this as a physician if I were applying for H-1B today.I share my own immigration journey, how I approached visas strategically, and why panic is never a strategy—but preparation is.Where the $100,000 H-1B fee discussion is coming fromWho this proposal would apply to (and who it would not)Why social media is the worst place to get immigration adviceHow physicians can potentially qualify for exemptionsWhat “national interest” really means for doctorsWhy shortage areas matter more than everWhat I would personally do if I were a new H-1B applicant todayKey TakeawaysNot every headline applies to every IMGPhysicians are uniquely positioned because of workforce shortagesKnowing the rules gives you leverageYou need a plan—not fearResources MentionedNIW information: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-second-preference-eb-2USCIS on H1B visa: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupationsHRSA Health Professional Shortage Area tool: https://data.hrsa.gov/topics/health-workforce/shortage-areas/hpsa-findIMG Roadmap Podcast Episode #13 (National Interest Waiver discussion):https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/13-img-roadmap-series-30-dr-clarisse-tallah-fm-ob-maternal/id1490731292?i=1000469793341Immigration attorney referral: https://www.bakerlaw.com/insights/uscis-clarifies-when-100000-h-1b-fee-is-required-exempting-most-f-1-students/DisclaimerThis episode reflects my personal experience and opinions and is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice.******Interested in writing your own medical success story? We've got you covered. Here's how you can join the IMG Roadmap Community Today:- for IMG-related questions: ⁠⁠⁠drlum@imgroadmap.com⁠⁠⁠- for course-related questions: ⁠⁠⁠admin@imgroadmap.com⁠⁠⁠*****Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for supportive content and download our targeted ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠planner from our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and consider joining our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to kick start your IMG journey.As always you can click on the following links to listen to more episodes of our podcasts on⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Apple podcasts⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Youtube Music⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠

February 1, 202647 min

147. Emergency Medicine as an IMG: The Truth About Matching, SLOEs, and Networking with Dr. Helena (IMG Roadmap Series #128)

Quick pause!Want to stay inspired with content tailored specifically to IMG’s looking to create their medical success story? Sign up for the⁠ IMG Roadmap Newsletter⁠ so you never miss a beat!*****Emergency Medicine is often described as one of the least IMG-friendly specialties.So how did a U.S. IMG who went to medical school in Europe not only match into Emergency Medicine—but go on to design a flexible, independent career on her own terms?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Helena, known online as @a.youngdoctors.journey, an Emergency Medicine physician currently working as a travel/locum tenens EM doctorIn this episode we talk candidly about:Choosing medical school in EuropeThe loneliness of studying for USMLEs abroadThe reality of applying to EM as an IMGHow she secured SLOEs when doors were closedWhy networking—not scores—changed everythingAnd how she transitioned into a 1099, location-flexible EM career after residencyThis episode is for IMGs who want real talk, not sugar-coated advice.Why going to medical school in Europe can be a strategic decision—if planned correctlyThe biggest misconceptions IMGs have about match statisticsWhat it actually feels like to apply for U.S. residency as an IMGHow COVID disrupted U.S. clinical experience—and how to adaptStep 1 & Step 2 scores: what mattered and what didn’tWhat a SLOE is and why it’s critical for Emergency MedicineCreative, ethical ways to secure rotations and evaluationsWhy networking is the most underutilized IMG skillCold emailing, conferences, social mediaWhy Emergency Medicine doesn’t “love” IMGs—and how to work around itThe difference between W-2 and 1099 work after residencyHow locum tenens allows physicians to control time, income, and lifestyleEM is difficult for IMGs—but not impossibleScores matter less than strategy, timing, and relationshipsYou must build your own mentorship if your school doesn’t provide itNetworking is not optional—it’s a skillRejection is often redirectiomGet the scoop on:NRMP Match Outcomes DataCORD EM / SLOE resources (search: CORD Emergency Medicine SLOE)IMG Roadmap Podcast1099 / Locum Tenens pathwaysFeel free to reach out to Dr. Helena @a.youngdoctors.journey⁠on Instagram, or via email at hello@ayoungdoctorsjourney.comIf you’re an IMG interested in Emergency Medicine—or any competitive specialty—this episode will change how you think about planning, networking, and owning your path.******Interested in writing your own medical success story? We've got you covered. Here's how you can join the IMG Roadmap Community Today: - for IMG-related questions: ⁠⁠⁠drlum@imgroadmap.com⁠⁠⁠- for course-related questions: ⁠⁠⁠admin@imgroadmap.com⁠⁠⁠*****Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for supportive content and download our targeted ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠planner from our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and consider joining our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to kick start your IMG journey.As always you can click on the following links to listen to more episodes of our podcasts on⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Apple podcasts⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Youtube Music⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠

January 25, 2026Episode 14552 min

146. “Old” IMG, New Match: How a 10-Year Gap Didn’t End Dr. Damien-ange Sighaka’s Dream (IMG Roadmap Series #127)

Quick pause!Want to stay inspired with content tailored specifically to IMG’s looking to create their medical success story? Sign up for the⁠ IMG Roadmap Newsletter⁠ so you never miss a beat!*****This episode is for the IMG who’s been told—explicitly or implicitly—that too much time has passed.In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Damien-ange Sighaka, a Cameroonian IMG who graduated medical school in 2013 and didn’t start U.S. residency until 2023—a full 10 years later.Often labeled an “old IMG,” Dr. Sighaka shares how he navigated:A decade-long gapMultiple medical school transfers across countriesECFMG delaysUSMLEs years after graduationWorking as a registered nurse while waitingAnd still matching into Internal Medicine residency at the very hospital where he worked as a nurseThis episode challenges everything IMGs are told about age, gaps, timelines, and what’s “realistic.”In this episode, we cover:What it really means to be labeled an “old IMG”How long gaps actually happen (and why they’re not always red flags)How ECFMG verification delays can derail timelinesWhy Dr. Sighaka chose nursing—and how it helped his applicationHow to stay clinically relevant while working another jobStrategic networking when you’re not a “traditional” applicantHow to approach observerships, research, and LORs with a long gapWhy mindset—not luck—was the turning pointWhat he would do differently if starting todayKey takeaways for IMGs with gaps:You cannot change the past—but you can control what you do nextBeing employed is not a failure—it can be a strategic advantageLong gaps require clarity, structure, and visibility, not hidingMindset determines whether gaps become anchors or leverageGuest InfoDr. Damien-ange SighakaCameroonian IMGMedical school graduation: 2013PGY-3 Internal Medicine residentIndiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital (Muncie, Indiana)Contact Dr. Sighaka:sighange@yahoo.frResources MentionedFree 2026 IMG Roadmap PlannerPlan your year month-by-month with clarity:https://drninalum.com/calendarIMG Roadmap Program Waitlisthttps://drninalum.com/waitlist******Interested in writing your own medical success story? We've got you covered. Here's how you can join the IMG Roadmap Community Today: - for IMG-related questions: ⁠⁠⁠drlum@imgroadmap.com⁠⁠⁠- for course-related questions: ⁠⁠⁠admin@imgroadmap.com⁠⁠⁠*****Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for supportive content and download our targeted ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠planner from our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and consider joining our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to kick start your IMG journey.As always you can click on the following links to listen to more episodes of our podcasts on⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Apple podcasts⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Youtube Music⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠

January 18, 2026Episode 14334 min

145. How a Nigerian IMG Became a U.S. Citizen: The Real Timeline + Key Paperwork with Dr. Tolulope Abikoye (IMG Roadmap Series #126)

Quick pause!Want to stay inspired with content tailored specifically to IMG’s looking to create their medical success story? Sign up for the IMG Roadmap Newsletter so you never miss a beat!*****In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tolulope (Tolu) Abikoye, a Nigerian IMG practicing Family Medicine in Jacksonville, Florida.Stay tuned as Dr. Tolu shares his 15-year journey from F-1 (MPH) to J-1 residency, completing a J-1 waiver job in rural Michigan, obtaining an employment-based green card, and finally becoming a U.S. citizen in December 2025.In this episode, we cover:Why most residency programs sponsor J-1 (and why fewer sponsor H-1B)The J-1 2-year home requirement and why waivers are the gateway to staying in the U.S.Conrad 30 waiver basics (state-based, usually 30 slots/year, typically a 3-year commitment, must be in an HPSA)Green card steps (employment-based):PERM (labor certification)I-140I-485 (adjustment of status)Why to start planning early (PGY-2) + what to ask employers so for the smoothest journey possible. Citizenship basics: N-400, 5-year general rule vs 3-year marriage-based rule, interview + civics testResources & LinksThe physician-only WhatsApp group mentioned in the recording has since migrated to a private Facebook Group, where the community continues to connect, share updates, and support one another throughout their IMG journey.You can join the Facebook Group here.USCIS tracking: Create a USCIS online account to track filings and timelines.VA, HHS/federal agency, DOD, hardship/persecution waivers, National Interest Waivers and more.Listen to our episode with Dr. Tallah who went through the National Interest Waiver route!Eager to connect with Dr. Tolu? Feel free to shoot him an email at tolusubscribed@gmail.com******Interested in writing your own medical success story? We've got you covered. Here's how you can join the IMG Roadmap Community Today: - for IMG-related questions: ⁠⁠⁠drlum@imgroadmap.com⁠⁠⁠- for course-related questions: ⁠⁠⁠admin@imgroadmap.com⁠⁠⁠*****Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for supportive content and download our targeted ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠planner from our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and consider joining our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to kick start your IMG journey.As always you can click on the following links to listen to more episodes of our podcasts on⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Apple podcasts⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠Youtube Music⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠.⁠