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Journeys in Medicine: An ECFMG Blog

Category: Well-being Grants

Author Journeys User4Posted on Categories Clinical Training Experience, Cross-cultural Experience, Host Institution, Well-being GrantsTags ,

The Children’s National IMG Taskforce

Dr. Domenica Garcia Dumler and Dr. Ligia Moschen Nascente Chanock

By Dr. Domenica Garcia Dumler and Dr. Ligia Moschen Nascente Chanock

Recipient Team of the 2024 Grant Opportunity for J-1 Physicians: Well-being Projects Supporting Foreign National Physicians

We are two members of the Children’s National IMG (International Medical Graduate) Taskforce, which was one of five projects awarded funding by the 2024 Intealth Well-being Grant Opportunity. The taskforce was initially formed at Children’s National Hospital in 2021 with a mission to optimize the experience of IMG residents and fellows by establishing a network of peer and faculty mentors. Our objectives include providing guidance and support during the transition to the United States and assisting with onboarding, familiarization with the U.S. healthcare system, mentorship, career development, and legal awareness. We are very grateful to have been awarded the 2024 Intealth Well-being Grant to support our ongoing mission, which has allowed us to expand and advance our pre-existing program.

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Author Journeys User4Posted on Categories Clinical Training Experience, Cross-cultural Experience, Host Institution, Well-being GrantsTags , , , ,

Building Support for IMGs at UAMS

By Dr. German Corrales

Recipient of the 2024 Grant Opportunity for J-1 Physicians: Well-being Projects Supporting Foreign National Physicians

When I moved from Córdoba, Argentina, to the United States to apply for residency, I was filled with excitement and hope. At the time, I was a postdoctoral research fellow at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. But just as I was preparing to take the USMLE Steps, COVID-19 hit. Testing centers shut down, and like many others, I had to delay my Match application by a full year. I stayed on in my research role and, during that extended time, connected with several other international medical graduates (IMGs) going through similar delays. Our shared stories of uncertainty and perseverance helped me feel less alone and more determined to continue forward.

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Author Journeys User4Posted on Categories Clinical Training Experience, Cross-cultural Experience, Host Institution, Well-being GrantsTags , , , ,

IMG Connect: Welcomed, Understood, and Empowered

By Dr. Frans Serpa

Recipient of the 2024 Grant Opportunity for J-1 Physicians: Well-being Projects Supporting Foreign National Physicians

I still clearly remember my first day of residency training in the United States. This new chapter was the result of years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination finally taking shape. After studying, waiting, and planning for so long, I had made it. I was here. I was ready—or at least I thought I was.

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Author Journeys User4Posted on Categories Clinical Training Experience, Cross-cultural Experience, Host Institution, Well-being GrantsTags , , , ,

Just Ask—The Answer Might Amaze You

By Dr. Diana Carolina Largo Luna

Recipient of the 2024 Grant Opportunity for J-1 Physicians: Well-being Projects Supporting Foreign National Physicians

“Just ask. The worst people can say is ‘no’; the best might amaze you.”

This is what my dad used to tell me, again and again, when I was growing up in “the country at the center of the world” —Ecuador. This simple yet powerful advice became my guiding mantra as I embarked on my journey to pursue medical training in the United States. In moments of doubt, I recalled his words: “Just ask; the answer might amaze you.” Whenever I was thinking about another step in my career, whether it was requesting clinical experience in an unfamiliar city, applying for the Match, or deciding to submit a proposal for the Intealth 2024 Well-being Grant Opportunity, my father reminded me that asking for things is a strength, not a weakness.

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Author Journeys User4Posted on Categories Clinical Training Experience, Cross-cultural Experience, Host Institution, Well-being GrantsTags , , , , ,

Navigating the J-1 Journey Together

By Dr. Martha Maricela Solis

Recipient of the 2023 Grant Opportunity for J-1 Physicians: Well-being Projects Supporting Foreign National Physicians

I grew up in a town in northern Mexico, 20 minutes from the U.S. border, with a population of fewer than 5,000 people. I lived in a very small world back then, but my aspirations were big. I always dreamt of becoming a doctor, and through hard work and my parents’ support, I was able to go to medical school with a full ride. During medical school, I didn’t stop dreaming; I still wanted more. I wanted to train in a place where I could access the newest technology and resources, so I could deliver the best evidence-based medicine to my patients. That’s how training in the United States became my next dream.

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