Learn more about the Meta-Analysis Academy: https://research.metaanalysisacademy.com/maaen-le-stm-descricao

In MetaCast #28, we host Kangwa Francis Molenga, a Zambian medical student currently completing his medical training in Azerbaijan. Coming from a background with limited access to research infrastructure and international academic guidance, Kangwa shares how curiosity, resilience, and strategic decision-making shaped his journey from high school in Zambia to studying medicine abroad through a fully funded international scholarship.

In this episode, we explore the realities of pursuing medical education outside one’s home country, including navigating government-sponsored scholarships, adapting to a compressed and intensive medical curriculum, and overcoming the lack of local research opportunities. Kangwa discusses how discovering meta-analysis transformed his academic trajectory, allowing him to collaborate with researchers worldwide and publish cardiology research presented at major international conferences. The conversation highlights the importance of initiative, global networking, time management, and evidence-based medicine for international medical graduates aiming to build competitive CVs and pursue residency training in the United States. This episode offers practical insight and inspiration for students seeking to build academic careers despite systemic limitations.

What is the Meta-Analysis Academy? Get to know the program that can help you to learn how to publish with high-impact, completely from scratch.

Our mission is two-fold: (1) to provide doctors and medical students worldwide with the tools to publish high-impact research with autonomy; and (2) to transform the careers of doctors and medical students through the publication of relevant research.

Rhanderson Cardoso, MD is a clinical cardiologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He graduated medical school in Brazil and did his training in Cardiology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. He was also a chief resident at the University of Miami Internal Medicine Residency Program.* Dr. Cardoso has published more than 90 manuscripts in PubMed-indexed journals, with over 2300 citations in the literature, including by international guidelines. In addition, he has taught thousands of students how to conduct impactful research with autonomy to also advance their careers through the Meta-Analysis Academy.

*Important: The Meta-Analysis Academy has no affiliation with the University of Miami, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, or Harvard Medical School. Opinions are exclusively that of Dr. Rhanderson Cardoso and the team at the Meta-Analysis Academy.

Waiting List: https://research.metaanalysisacademy.com/maaen-le-yt-publicacao

In MetaCast #27, we host Nathalia Schettino, a Brazilian medical student currently training in New York. With an early passion for international education, Nathalia shares her journey from completing high school in Brazil to pursuing undergraduate studies and the pre-med track in the United States, ultimately building a strong foundation toward a medical career within one of the world’s most competitive academic systems.

In this episode, we explore the strategic decisions that shaped her path as an international student, including preparation for U.S. college admissions, adaptation to the academic and cultural demands of New York, and the realities of applying to medical school as a non–U.S. citizen. The conversation highlights the importance of academic performance, standardized exams, research involvement, clinical exposure, volunteering, and strong letters of recommendation in constructing a competitive medical school application. This episode offers insights for students considering an international pathway to medicine and seeking a realistic, structured perspective on medical training in the United States.

*Important: The Meta-Analysis Academy has no affiliation with the University of Miami, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, or Harvard Medical School. Opinions are exclusively that of Dr. Rhanderson Cardoso and the team at the Meta-Analysis Academy.

In MetaCast #26, we host Dr. Atul Taneja, a renowned musculoskeletal radiologist currently practicing at the University of Texas Southwestern. With an impressive journey as an International Medical Graduate (IMG), Dr. Taneja not only built a solid career in clinical practice and education in Brazil but also orchestrated an extraordinary transition to the United States, redefining what it means to achieve excellence in a global landscape.

In this episode, we dive into the strategies that led Dr. Taneja from consolidated success in Brazil to a prominent position in the USA. We explore how research can be your "passport" to American medicine, the details of the Alternate Pathway for radiologists seeking US certification without traditional residency, the immigration routes available and much more. 

In the 25th episode of MetaCast, we host Jonathan Mokhtar, an ambitious medical student and aspiring plastic and reconstructive surgeon whose experiences have transcended borders. He has already built a high-impact career through an extensive research portfolio, including numerous published meta-analyses, and invaluable international observerships at top institutions like Harvard's Boston Children's Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic.

Jonathan shares the challenges and triumphs of his journey toward US medical residency as an international student, offering a fascinating comparison between the medical training environments in the UAE and the United States. His strategic approach and passion for surgical innovation make him a true role model for healthcare professionals worldwide.

Learn more about the Meta-Analysis Academy: https://m.metaanalysis.academy/nswz

On MetaCast #24 we host Dr. Eduardo Padrão, a Clinical Fellow in Pulmonary and Critical Care at Harvard's Massachusetts General Hospital*. A former Chief Resident from Brazil's USP*, Dr. Padrão undertook a second medical residency in the U.S. His career is distinguished by over 20 publications, including one cited by UpToDate, and multiple teaching awards, highlighting his exceptional clinical and research acumen, and dedication to education.

In this episode, Dr. Padrão shares invaluable insights into the unique journey of an International Medical Graduate. We explore the challenges of USMLE and residency re-entry, cultural nuances in medical practice, and the strategic importance of research, especially meta-analysis, for career advancement. Gain practical tips on overcoming IMG barriers and discover inspiring stories of resilience that paved his path to success in American medicine.

*Important: The Meta-Analysis Academy and MetaCast have no affiliation with the University of Miami, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, or any other institution mentioned above. Opinions are exclusively those of Dr. Rhanderson Cardoso and the team at the Meta-Analysis Academy.

Learn more about the Meta-Analysis Academy: https://is.gd/BM9Xdm.

In episode #23 of MetaCast, we're honored to host Andrew Bagdasarian, Ph.D., a distinguished Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the MGH/HST Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, part of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Bagdasarian is a pioneering translational neuroimaging scientist and his unique journey, pursuing a high-impact research career through a PhD, offers a fresh perspective on carving out a significant path in biomedical science.

Ande dives deep into the realities of a PhD and postdoctoral career in the US, from navigating funding landscapes like NIH grants (including T32s, K-series, and the coveted R01s) to the critical balance between academic autonomy and securing financial support. He shares invaluable insights on career options beyond the traditional professorship, exploring opportunities in industry, government, and education. Discover practical tips on grant writing, team building, and mentorship, and hear inspiring personal anecdotes about persistence and adapting to a dynamic research environment, even amidst current challenges in research funding. 

Learn more about the Meta-Analysis Academy: https://is.gd/BM9Xdm.

In the #22 episode of MetaCast, we welcome Dr. Tiago Koppe, a physician-scientist specializing in hematology research at Harvard Medical School/ Boston Children's Hospital. Originally from Porto Alegre, Brazil, Dr. Koppe pursued an unconventional career path, finishing his MD-PhD before moving to the United States. 

Dr. Koppe shares insights into the daily life of a basic science researcher, the challenges of managing complex lab experiments, and the motivations driving his work to develop better treatments for leukemia. He discusses career opportunities for physician-scientists in academia and industry, offering valuable perspectives on salary expectations and immigration considerations.

Learn more about the Meta-Analysis Academy: https://is.gd/BM9Xdm.

In the #21 episode of MetaCast, we welcome Dr. Rafael Ayala, a cardiac surgeon from El Salvador now practicing in Germany. He shares his remarkable journey from a working-class upbringing to training at top German institutions, overcoming language, cultural, and academic barriers along the way. His story highlights what it takes to succeed as a foreign medical graduate in one of the most demanding surgical fields.

We discuss the process of getting into residency in Germany, work-life balance in surgical training, and the importance of building a research-driven career. Dr. Ayala also shares how his first meta-analysis, developed through the Meta Analysis Academy, was cited in European guidelines—demonstrating how structured, meaningful research can create real clinical impact. 

Learn more about the Meta-Analysis Academy: https://is.gd/BM9Xdm.

In MetaCast #20, Dr. Rhanderson Cardoso welcomes Dr. Daniel Marcusa, cardiology fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School. Dr. Marcusa brings a unique blend of clinical excellence, leadership experience, and thoughtful reflection on academic culture. His journey from growing up in New York City to training at some of the most prestigious institutions in the United States offers valuable insight for medical professionals at every stage.

Together, they explore the diverse career paths available after medical training in the U.S., from academic research to full-time clinical practice and hybrid roles that include innovation, consulting, and education. Dr. Marcusa shares candid perspectives on fellowship, chief residency, professional identity, and the importance of surrounding yourself with excellence. 

Learn more about the Meta-Analysis Academy: https://is.gd/BM9Xdm.

In the 19th episode of MetaCast, Dr. Rhanderson Cardoso welcomes two outstanding IMGs from India: Dr. Mangesh Kritya, currently a research fellow at Houston Methodist, and Dr. Mir Wajid, a junior resident at VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital. Just one year after graduating medical school, both are presenting their research at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) — one of the most prestigious cardiology conferences in the world. 

From their early steps in research to building international opportunities, Mangesh and Wajid share a journey defined by courage, discipline, and strategic choices.Take a dive deep into how research helped them build credibility, secure visas, gain mentorship, and apply for U.S. residency programs.