The IMG Roadmap Podcast

By Dr. Nina LumBusiness Careers

The IMG Roadmap Podcast episodes

April 30, 2022101. How Today's Women Can Excel in Their Personal and Professional Lives - An Interview With Tami Adeleke (@takeoffwithtami)
Want to stay inspired with content tailored specifically to IMG’s looking to create their medical success story? Sign up for the IMGRoadmap Newsletter so you never miss a beat!
*****
Quick pause: If you are an international medical student or graduate seeking to start residency in any of the 135 specialties in the USA next June, then this is for you! You don't want to regret missing out on this HUGE opportunity!
Join the waitlist to be considered for the next round of the IMG roadmap course. The only course that helps you become a more competitive applicant for residency. Seats are limited. Sign up here to be considered!
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Oftentimes, people wonder how some are able to maintain a full-time job as well as manage other successful businesses. Do you have to possess some supernatural powers? Though this may seem like a daunting feat, in this interview with business analyst and branding specialist Tami Adeleke (@takeoffwithtami), I discuss some strategies to achieve success in your professional and personal lives simultaneously as an IMG!
There is a seven step approach on the IMG Roadmap six week program, however, since this is not a one-size-fits-all, in order to benefit from the program, students are recommended to seek individualized coaching which is tailor-made to address specific needs. To date, 300 students have benefitted from this IMG Roadmap program.
Here are some of the major roadblocks that IMG’s face:
The immigration process for non-immigrants in obtaining citizenship in the US

Academic roadblocks and competing with US graduates

Language barriers for those with first languages other than English

Various socioeconomic challenges.
Before visiting the coach, the following should be considered:
What are my goals, where do I have a deficiency and need the most help with

How do I maximize my time, what do I need to accomplish during this session

What solution can be implemented to resolve the problem?
The key to success in maintaining a balance between one's professional and personal life is to:
Delegate! Delegate! Delegate!

“Take ownership for what you don’t know and seek help on what you need to know!”

Schedule and make the best of each waking hour.

Seek guidance and express gratitude to God.
Here are some of the reasons people may not succeed in their professional lives:
Personal, social and sometimes financial factors

The internal fear of success and the unwillingness to take risks

Failure to realize that the onus is on you to make the investment in your personal development!
Reach out to find out more information on the interviewer @takeoffwithtami!
You can also listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts.
56 min
April 23, 2022100. IMG Roadmap Match Party -- Celebrating the Medical Success Stories of Our Students!
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!
*****
Quick pause: If you are an international medical student or graduate seeking to start residency in any of the 135 specialties in the USA next June, then this is for you! You don't want to regret missing out on this HUGE opportunity!
Join the waitlist to be considered for the next round of the IMG roadmap course. The only course that helps you become a more competitive applicant for residency. Seats are limited. Sign up here to be considered!
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As an IMG, matching successfully into the residency position of your dreams is truly a momentous occasion! In this our 100th episode, we celebrate the victories of the students of our latest cohort of the IMG Roadmap Course. Keep listening to find out more about their stories!
Here are the highlights of what some of our students shared:
Dr. Stacy outlined her path as follows:
the last time she applied for the match, she did not have her step results.

during her gap year, she worked as a scribe for neurologist at Yale.

enrolled in the IMG Roadmap course along with the other free courses available on drninalum.com/courses and considers them life changing.

she matched into Pediatrics at Texas Tech University in El Paso.
Similarly, 12 years post-grad Dr. Ronke had her fair share of challenges. She:
underwent surgery, which caused her to postpone her taking of the CK exam.

followed the IMG Roadmap Course from her hospital bed and was inspired to continue pursuing her dream.

applied to ten programs, four of which promised interviews as soon as she got her CK results.

wrote customized personal statements for each program.

completed a Master’s in Public Health and had US clinical experience.

had one interview in October and matched at an institute in California.
Dr. Obi’s story was shared as follows:
This is her third application season.

She started in 2017, moved to the US, where she then took step one CK and CS exams.

Applied for the 2020 match, where she scored one interview for IM that didn’t go well.

Tried again in 2021, had no interviews, but then tried to improve application.

Did not pass step 3 the first time.

Tried to SOAP using her Master’s in Public Health to bolster her application.

After not matching in 2021, she stopped being mentally defined by “red flags”. How could she paint her experiences in a positive way?

Eventually, she matched after embracing her weaknesses and making them her strengths!
Dr. Caroline who matched into Anesthesia at the Mayo Clinic in Florida:
Was worried because she didn’t know of any IMG’s from her school who had matched into that specialty.

Decided to register into the IMG Roadmap course.

Scored interviews from Yale and other prestigious programs through networking, attending conferences and sending emails!
Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts!
1 hr 11 min
April 16, 202299. IMG Roadmap Series #96: Dr. Enaka Yembe (Family Medicine)
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!
*****
Quick pause: If you are an international medical student or graduate seeking to start residency in any of the 135 specialties in the USA next June, then this is for you! You don't want to regret missing out on this HUGE opportunity!
Join the waitlist to be considered for the next round of the IMG roadmap course. The only course that helps you become a more competitive applicant for residency. Seats are limited. Sign up here to be considered!
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Have you ever wondered what exactly program directors are looking for from your residency application? Our guest for this episode Dr. Enaka Yembe, in an interview we conducted some time ago, is here to provide you with all the practical tips you can employ to make your application stand out. Having both been through the application process herself and also having served as a faculty member, she offers a unique perspective to IMG’s like you!
Board certified in the field of family medicine, Cameroonian-born Dr. Enaka Yembe completed a Bachelor (Honors) Degree in Biochemistry in Nigeria and medical school in The University of Milan, Italy. She did an internship in Transitional Medicine in Howard University Hospital in Washington DC and then her Family Medicine Residency training at LSU Conway Hospital in Monroe, Louisiana and was nominated Resident of the Year in 2005.
Here is some of the advice she offers for the residency application and interview process:
Focus on your strengths and use them to show that you are a capable candidate.

Try not to come across as if you are asking for help or begging for a position. Be confident!

Don’t overthink the process, but be very deliberate.

Know your CV! Be prepared to answer any possible questions.

Do research on the program you’re interviewing into, in order to anticipate what kinds of questions they may ask.

If you don’t know the answer, don’t be afraid to admit it. Offer to get back to the interviewer when you find the correct response.

Your personal statement should be a brief biography, where mentioning relevant clinical experience in the US is an asset.

Do not include too many personal stories and anecdotes. The personal statement should be concise.

Review your personal statement professionally for grammar and spelling errors.

For your residency, consider rural areas. They can offer you opportunities that may not be available in more urban ones.
Finally, here are some inspirational tidbits to guide you along your journey:
Do not be discouraged. Anything can be accomplished with persistence.

Do not give yourself a plan B, focus on your goal and do the work to achieve it.

Be committed to preparing for the USMLE exam. Make the investment in time and resources. Focus also on test-taking strategies.
You can reach out to Dr. Yembe on her website, facebook and instagram.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts
28 min
April 09, 202298. IMG Roadmap Series #95: Dr. Amilyn Worlobah (Family Medicine).
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!
*****
Quick pause: If you are an international medical student or graduate seeking to start residency in any of the 135 specialties in the USA next June, then this is for you! You don't want to regret missing out on this HUGE opportunity!
Join the waitlist to be considered for the next round of the IMG roadmap course. The only course that helps you become a more competitive applicant for residency. Seats are limited. Sign up here to be considered!
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Today we have a bit of a blast from the past with Dr. Amilyn Worlobah who we interviewed in 2019. Stay tuned to hear all about her fascinating story!
At the time, she was an intern in a family medicine program in Arkansas, all excited about her future.
She attended the Ross University which used to be on the island of Dominica, but is now situated in Barbados after a major hurricane in 2017.
Here are some of the highlights of her journey:
Dr. Worlobah started medical school in January of 2013,

completed her clinical rotations in the US,

took her board exams in her 3rd year and then Step 2 in her fourth year.
She also shares how she prepared for her USMLE exams:
She took a comp exam, aimed at preparing her for the exam,

used the online resource Decker for past questions and textbooks,

used UWorld question banks and Master the Boards texts as well.

Unfortunately, she failed the exam the first time, but was successful the second time around.
She advises the following about the application process:
Ensure that you have a winning personal statement as early in the process as possible.

Use Google and Match A Resident to filter out programs that won’t take IMG’s.

Capitalize on your CV–ensure that you mention all of your relevant experience.

Networking is key throughout the process.
Dr. Worlobah also speaks highly of her time as a medical scribe and encourages IMG’s to consider this option instead of being idle during the application process.
Her mantra is as follows:
Never give up.

Don’t get in your head or be negative about your experiences.

Always turn whatever negatives you encounter into learning experiences.

You can’t spell testimony without “test!”
Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts!
25 min
March 26, 202297. 2022 IMG Match Results & FAQ's about the IMGRoadmap Course!
Want to stay inspired with content tailored specifically to IMG’s looking to create their medical success story? Sign up for the IMGRoadmap Newsletter so you never miss a beat!
*****
Quick pause: If you are an international medical student or graduate seeking to start residency in any of the 135 specialties in the USA next June, then this is for you! You don't want to regret missing out on this HUGE opportunity!
Join the waitlist to be considered for the next round of the IMG roadmap course. The only course that helps you become a more competitive applicant for residency. Seats are limited. Sign up here to be considered!
*****
Last week was match week – an anxious yet joyful time. How did IMG’s fare in this match cycle? Keep listening as we look at the numbers!
According to the NRMP:
There were 39205 total positions available in the match this year which increased by 2.9% when compared to that of 2021.

The Total number of PGY1 positions was 36277 which was also up by 3.1% compared to 2021.

58-60% match rate for IMG’s.

465 spots went unfilled for both FM and IM Categorical.
Doctors such as one of my co-authors of the book Beyond Challenges landed a residency position outside of the match cycle, so it is possible!
The statistics continue as follows:
Surgery preliminary: 518 unfilled spots.

Surgery categorical: 3 unfilled.

Psychiatry: 17 unfilled.

Plastic surgery: 0 unfilled.

IM categorical: 2435 non-US IMG’s, 1133 USIMGs

FM: 457 non-US IMG’s, 777 US IMG’s.

EM: 45 non-US IMG’s, 176 US IMG’s, out of 2921 applicants.

Dermatology: 1 non-US IMG out of 30 positions, 2 unfilled.

Anesthesiology: 61 non-US IMG’s, 57 US IMG’s out of 1500 positions.

Thoracic Surgery: 5 IMG’s out of 47 positions.

Vascular surgery: 7 IMG’s out 84 positions, 0 unmatched.

Neurology: 163 non-US IMG, 64 US IMG’s, out of 772 positions.

OB: 40 to non-US IMG’s, 42 to US IMG’s, 4 unfilled, out of 1503 positions.

ENT: 4 out of 361 positions went to IMG’s.

Orthopedic Surgery: 19 out of 873 spots went to IMG’s.

Pediatrics categorical: 81 unfilled spots, 2943 total categorical spots, 574 went to IMG’s.

Plastic surgery: 194 total, 11 went to IMG’s, 0 unfilled.

Pediatric and Child psychiatry both saw no IMG matches.
Want to increase your chances of succeeding in the upcoming match cycle? My IMGRoadmap course is just what you need to give you that boost.
Who is this IMGRoadmap course for?
Self-motivated and ambitious doctors who graduated from International Medical Schools (IMG’s) and are interested in residency in the US.
What exactly am I paying for?
Access to expertly crafted online modules.

Group Coaching.

Office Hours - extra sessions with me. Learn what to do and how to do it.

Lifetime access to the online platform until you match!
The course starts on April 14th and we are accepting new enrollments right now at drninalum.com/courses!
Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts.
22 min
March 12, 202296. IMGRoadmap Series #94 Dr. Agyingi Kimbong (Internal Medicine)
Want to stay inspired with content tailored specifically to IMG’s looking to create their medical success story? Sign up for the IMGRoadmap Newsletter so you never miss a beat!
*****
Quick pause: If you are an international medical student or graduate seeking to start residency in any of the 135 specialties in the USA next June, then this is for you! You don't want to regret missing out on this HUGE opportunity!
Join the waitlist to be considered for the next round of the IMG roadmap course. The only course that helps you become a more competitive applicant for residency. Seats are limited. Sign up here to be considered!
*****
Were you under the impression that preparing for the US Medical Residency application cycle had to take upwards of six months? Are you worried that you won’t have enough time to match? Cameroonian-born Dr. Agyingi Kimbong is here to show you how he was able to match with only two months to prepare his application packet. Keep listening to find out more about his intriguing journey!
Dr. Kimbong earned his medical degree from the University of Yaounde I in Cameroon in 2014. He then practiced as a general physician for two years there, before he was inspired by a few colleagues and mentors to pursue residency in the US.
He currently serves as an Internal Medicine Hospitalist at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
Here are some of the highlights of his USMLE journey:
Dr. Kimbong prepared for Step 1 in Cameroon and then wrote it in Accra Ghana.

He studied independently and did not take any courses such as Kaplan.

He had a study partner to help hold him accountable.

He finally scored 240 in Step 1.
How did Dr. Kimbong manage his residency application?
He had only two months to prepare, as he came to the US shortly after completing his MPH program in Europe.

Fortunately, he had already taken all of the USMLE steps.

He then realized that step scores are just one part of the application packet and that networking is essential!

He strategically reached out to people for help and advice.
When Dr. Kimbong was asked about whether the transition into being a physician with a J1 visa requirement was difficult, he stated the following:
It was a bit of a hassle but since the process is standardized, it’s not as difficult and daunting as people think.

Knowing where to look for jobs and where to prioritize your applications is important.

Working in the US as a physician, regardless of location or institution is advantageous.

There are tons of opportunities to choose from.

There can be certain financial and time-oriented benefits.
As such, Dr. Kimbong advises IMGs who may be in a similar position as he was to:
Get the best scores possible.

Network like your success depends on it!

Prepare for your interviews–Four or five interviews is more than enough to match.
You can reach out to Dr. Kimbong on his facebook @Kimbong Agyingi.
You can also listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts.
31 min
February 19, 202295. IMGRoadmap Series #93 Dr. Paul M. Osunwa, Jr. (Anesthesiology)
Want to stay inspired with content tailored specifically to IMG’s looking to create their medical success story? Sign up for the IMGRoadmap Newsletter so you never miss a beat!
*****
Quick pause: If you are an international medical student or graduate seeking to start residency in any of the 135 specialites in the USA next June, then this is for you! You don't want to regret missing out on this HUGE opportunity!
Join the waitlist to be considered for the next round of the IMG roadmap course. The only course that helps you become a more competitive applicant for residency. Seats are limited. Sign up here to be considered!
*****
Do you already have a career but you are considering switching to medicine? Dr. Paul Osunwa, who transitioned from nursing into an anesthesiology residency is here to prove to you that anything is possible! Keep listening to find out more about his interesting journey!
Born to Nigerian Parents, Dr. Osunwa grew up in California where he served as a nurse for three years before deciding to start medical school.
Here are some of the highlights of his journey, pre-residency. He:
Attended a specialized program for career transitioning at St. George’s University in Grenada.

Always knew he wanted to be an anesthesiologist and so, shadowed such doctors even as a nurse.

Served as the president of the student government.

Earned the White Coat Award in his last semester in Grenada.

Applied to 136 programs in Anesthesia.

Participated in the first cohort of zoom interviews due to Covid.

Scored seven interviews.

Matched at his second preference of program.
Here are some of the challenges of applying into anesthesiology:
Facing the reality of limited anesthesiology spots.

Scoring above average Step 1 and Step 2 scores.

Proving that the student is a holistic human being with other skills and traits outside of medicine.

Securing LOR’s.

Demonstrating strong interest in the field.
Does Dr. Osunwa regret switching careers from nursing?
He saw medical school as an investment in himself.

There was a great deal of knowledge acquisition, where all his questions from nursing were answered

He is now able to provide better care for patients.
The switch of careers is always worth it, especially when you look at people like Dr. Nina Snowden who took the leap from an established practice in nutrition to starting from scratch on a successful medical career.
You can reach out to Dr. Osunwa via his Instagram @prince_chiso and his email [email protected].
You can also listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify & Google Podcasts.
46 min
February 12, 202294. IMGRoadmap Series #92 Dr. Deborah Makinde (Internal Medicine)
Want to stay inspired with content tailored specifically to IMG’s looking to create their medical success story? Sign up for the IMGRoadmap Newsletter so you never miss a beat!
*****
Quick pause: If you are an international medical student or graduate seeking to start residency in any of the 135 specialites in the USA next June, then this is for you! You don't want to regret missing out on this HUGE opportunity!
Join the waitlist to be considered for the next round of the IMG roadmap course. The only course that helps you become a more competitive applicant for residency. Seats are limited. Sign up here to be considered!
*****
Have you faced failure along your medical journey and you’re worried about your future? Dr. Deborah Makinde’s story will definitely prove to you that any roadblock can be overcome, to land yourself the residency position of your dreams. Keep listening to find out more!
Nigerian-born Dr. Makinde moved to the US as a teenager and attended medical school at St. George’s University in Grenada.
After her graduation in 2020, She decided to apply to 150 programs for the 2020/2021 match cycle where she scored 4 interviews, but unfortunately, she went unmatched.
During the 2020/2021 application period, she highlighted the following roadblocks:
She failed the CS exam, but ended up taking the OET exam thereafter.

She could not get ECFMG certified until the following year.
Dr. Makinde then decided to take a gap year and reapplied in for the 2022 match cycle, scoring her over 11 interviews and a place on a few waitlists. She has since matched and is now about to be a resident in internal medicine. When asked what she changed about her application the second time around, she highlighted the following steps she took:
Applied through SOAP.

Tried to achieve a preliminary position, but did not get through.

Applied to 250 programs instead of her initial 150 though she does not believe that it made a huge difference.

Developed an application packet that was better and that had a theme to it.

Wrote personalized statements customized to the prospective programs.

Wrote Step 3 and passed.

Contacted the programs she didn’t get into asking for feedback, which she applied during her second application.
You can reach out to Dr. Makinde via her email ([email protected]) and her Instagram @toyin_20
You can also listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify & Google Podcasts.
37 min
February 05, 202293. IMGRoadmap Series #91 Dr. Adannia Enyioha (Pediatrics)
If you are an international medical student or graduate seeking to start residency in any of the 135 specialites in the USA next June, then this is for you! You don't want to regret missing out on this HUGE opportunity!
Join the waitlist to be considered for the next round of the IMG roadmap course. The only course that helps you become a more competitive applicant for residency. Seats are limited. Sign up here to be considered!

Have you ever wondered whether US medical students share the same struggles as IMGs along their medical journeys? While there are quite a few differences between these two pathways, the similarities may surprise you! Keep listening to find out how Nigerian-born Dr. Adannia Enyioha beat the odds at every step of her medical success story!
Dr. Enyioha moved to the US at age 16 to attend college in New York, where she majored in Biology and Economics with a focus on premed. She was able to do so using an F1 international student visa.
Dr. Enyioha completed her residency in Chicago at the Rush University Medical Center, and is now working in Philadelphia within the Lehigh Valley Health Network.
Here are some of the highlights from her medical journey, she:
Graduated from college in 2008.

Found that getting into medical school was a great challenge.

Aligned herself with organizations that help international students e.g. SNMA, who provided her with resources and assistance to help her prepare for MCAT and to go through the medical school application process.

Applied to approximately 60 US medical schools through the funding and assistance from these organizations.

Got only 1 interview at a school in Minnesota that she ended up attending.

Scored a scholarship for her final year of medical school due to the support of the international student office, good grades, and activeness in school life.

Found it quite easy to get residency interviews anywhere she applied, however, she chose a program that would support H1B visa in Chicago, instead of J1, due to potential difficulties.
When asked how someone can get into medical school in the US, she advised prospective students to:
Check for the schools where international students are taken.

Make use of any recently updated, relevant resources available.

Remember that volunteering is a good way to build your application.

Engage in interesting activities to serve as conversation starters during interviews.

Take other people’s stories with a grain of salt. Your story could be different!
You can reach out to Dr. Enyioha via:
Instagram: @ask_dr_ada
Youtube: Adannia Enyioha
Facebook: Ask Dr Ada
And, her website: www.askdocada.com
You can also listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify & Google Podcasts.
35 min
January 29, 202292. How To Complete Your Most Challenging Tasks of 2022 as an IMG
If you are an international medical student or graduate seeking to start residency in any of the 135 specialites in the USA next June, then this is for you! You don't want to regret missing out on this HUGE opportunity!
Join the waitlist to be considered for the next round of the IMG roadmap course. The only course that helps you become a more competitive applicant for residency. Seats are limited. Sign up here to be considered!

Everyone has goals. It just takes persistence, discipline and consistency to achieve them. As an IMG you are sure to have challenging tasks that you need to accomplish in order to be successful. How do you plan to do so in 2022? Keep listening to this session held by Dr. Lum with the IMG Roadmap class where she outlines strategies that work and answers all of your burning questions!
What is the general strategy you can employ to identify and complete your tasks?
Write down three things you want to achieve this year.

Ensure that they are specific IMG career goals.

Ask yourself: What is standing between you and your goal?

Are there any difficulties you have pinpointed?
How can you create a strong Letter of Intent (LOI)?
Focus on answering this question: Why is it important for you to match there?

LOIs should be sent in accordance with the rules of the program. Normally, they should be addressed to the program director.

List the reasons you are interested in ranking the program first.

Then, let them know what you can do for the program. What makes you stand out?

Make specific, concrete references to your interviews with the program.
What are some key considerations before creating your rank list?
Do you truly want to train there and to live there for three to four years?

Does it fit in with your long term career goals?

What was the quality of your Interaction with the program on interview day?

Was there any post interview communication? Use your intuition!

If your list is shorter, rank the programs you feel instinctively that you have a higher chance of matching into. If you have more options, you can consider your desires.

Inform the programs that you are ranking that you will be ranking them.
How can you prepare for USMLE?
You don’t need to stop what you are doing, you should keep your job to build your CV.

Focus on study and work only.

Use a Q-bank like USMLE world, and break it down into small pieces.

Review the notes you have taken in your down time!

Next time you do the questions, time yourself to improve speed and efficiency.

Do NBME’s to assess your readiness.Use results to guide future studying
For more coaching like this feel free to sign up on the waitlist for the next cohort of the IMG Roadmap course.
You can also listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify & Google Podcasts.
1 hr 25 min

About The IMG Roadmap Podcast

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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.

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About The IMG Roadmap Podcast