From IMG to Successful Residency: A Personal Journey

welcome to Empower IMG podcast, the podcast that's all about the journey from an International Medical Graduate to a successful resident in the USA. I'm your host, Vidya Kollu, MD and today, I am going to share with you my own personal journey, from my humble beginnings in India to becoming a resident in the USA. : You may wonder why I'm so passionate about helping fellow IMGs. Well, I remember the struggle, the uncertainty, and the stress of navigating this process as a non-US IMG. It was a tough road, but I made it, and now I want to ensure you have the resources and support that I wish I had. I graduated from a private medical school in India. The journey started with a tough decision - whether to stay in India to pursue PG or pursue a career in medicine in the US. I worked as a duty doctor to pay off my loans and studied relentlessly. Throughout this journey, I never let go of my dreams. I learned, adapted, and persevered. And finally, I matched. I applied for my H1 visa and visited India to celebrate matching into residency moved to NJ a month in advance to do an observership and understand the US healthcare system and EHR better. I am grateful for the journey that led me here. It was an arduous journey, filled with challenges and setbacks. But it was also one filled with growth, learning, and triumphs. To all the IMGs out there, I want to say - yes, it's a tough road. But it's also a road that leads to amazing opportunities. You can do it. You can navigate this path and become a successful resident in the USA. And I hope my story can inspire and empower other IMGs to pursue their dreams in the US healthcare system. Empower IMG is hosting IMG Group coaching Match 24. Would you like to attend? Starting Aug 4, 2023 I will be offering free group coaching sessions every two weeks each 45 minutes to address most common challenges non-US IMGs face ( right on time for 2024 match applicants ) We will cover topics like securing US clinical experience, effective networking, crafting a stellar personal statement, determining if U.S. residency is the right choice, perfecting your ERAS CV, developing interview and other necessary skillsets. Group coaching offers the benefits of shared experiences, collective problem-solving, and learning from others' successes and challenge.Check is out at https://www.linkedin.com/events/imggroupcoachingmatch237091208837499654144/ for further details