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IMG journey

How easy/hard was it for you to go through the IMG process?

IMG path is a rough one for many of us. As an IMG who started my journey late, it was even more difficult, especially with the USMLE steps.

Our medical school curriculum isn’t particularly built to prepare us for these exams and preparing for them 6 years post medical school was not a breeze at all.

Did you take time off to work after graduating medical school

If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you’ll notice I share a lot about how every path is different. I didn’t start my USMLE exams until 5-6 years post-medical school. Part of our medical training in Nigeria requires us to complete a 1 year internship and another 1 year of Mandatory service to the country (NYSC).

I completed these, obtained an MPH, worked as both a public health physician and a medical officer before applying for residency. Here’s more about my MPH an how it helped me with residency.

How did you keep yourself motivated?

Every journey has its up’s and down’s.

I had days where I was highly discouraged but positive mindset, failing forward and great support system is so key.

Listen to my story to stay motivated: Why you should’t stop chansing your dream?

Where do I start?

ECFMG has all the information you will ever need.

However, I created a pdf guide on all steps needed. Click here to sign up and download

,IMG Moms/ Parents

What would you say to an IMG mom who is thinking about starting the IMG path but doesn’t know where to?

The first step is always the hardest.

Pray, make a concrete plan, and just start. 

You will face a lot of hurdles but be persistent.

Find a community or support group. This helps you stay accountable and also helps sharing of resources.

How was the studying, completing exams and transition easy with kids?

I’m always honest about this. It’s tougher than you know.

Firstly, studying for USMLE exams is rough. Then imagine studying with additional responsibilities of family (with kids) and a full-time job.

You need a plan, which should be also be flexible enough to make changes. With kids, things always pop up. 

You need a great support system because you may miss events, sports and time with your family and kids. However, remember this isn’t forever and you will get to spend time with them again.

Again, I’ll is tough but worth it. Let this instagram post give you some motivation: 

VISAS

What are the visa option would you recommend

I will always recommend the H-1B visa.

That’s the visa option I used and may be biased due to this. But H1-B makes it easier to transition to Green Card after residency. 

As IMGs, we focus on matching and moving to the US and forget to consider a whole of other things that happens after the match.

J1 visa is great option but may limit your location choices after residency and even fellowship,

Download and read more about visa choices in my e-book

No question is silly. I am always here to help.

You miss one hundred percent of the shots you don’t take.

                                                        -Wayne Gretzky