IMG Spotlight: Arsalan Zafar Iqbal
My IMG Story
By Arsalan Zafar Iqbal, MD
I am an International Medical Graduate from Pakistan, and my journey into medicine has been shaped by curiosity, persistence, and a deep desire to train within a system known for its structured learning and commitment to evidence-based care. I completed my medical education at FMH College of Medicine & Dentistry in Lahore, where I first began to imagine the possibility of building a career in the United States.
From the beginning, the path was neither straightforward nor clearly defined. Like many IMGs, I entered a process where guidance was limited, expectations were often unclear, and much of the journey had to be self-directed. Balancing clinical training, USMLE preparation, and long-term planning required constant adaptation and resilience. Each step forward came with uncertainty, but also with a growing sense of purpose.
My journey to the United States began with my first role as an Emergency Department Technician at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. It was here that I was introduced to the pace, structure, and complexity of the U.S. healthcare system. Working in this environment while still navigating the early stages of my IMG journey taught me the importance of humility, observation, and learning from every clinical interaction, no matter the role.
Soon after, I transitioned into postdoctoral research training at the University of Mississippi, where I began building a stronger academic foundation. This experience opened doors to further opportunities at the University of Michigan, where I worked in a clinical research fellowship in gastroenterology alongside mentors who deeply influenced my growth as a physician and researcher. These experiences also allowed me to contribute to research presented at national meetings, including ACG, DDW, and AASLD, strengthening my commitment to academic medicine and inquiry-driven care.
Being an IMG also means learning to adapt to a new professional culture while being far from the comfort of home, family, and familiarity. Early on, everything felt new—systems, expectations, communication styles, and even the pace of decision-making. Over time, with the guidance of mentors and the support of colleagues, those unfamiliar environments gradually became spaces of growth and belonging.
Throughout this journey, mentorship played a defining role. I was fortunate to learn from individuals who not only guided my academic development but also shaped my perspective on leadership, collaboration, and integrity in medicine. Their support reinforced a core belief that continues to guide me today: success in medicine is rarely achieved alone.
As I reflect on my path, I recognize that the IMG journey is rarely linear. It is built on persistence through uncertainty, resilience in the face of setbacks, and the willingness to continue moving forward even when the path is unclear. Each stage of the journey contributes not only to professional growth, but also to personal transformation.
Today, I am honored to serve as the Lead of the Education Subcommittee for the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Support & Advocacy Ad Hoc Committee at the Southern Medical Association. In this role, I am committed to leading, guiding, supporting, and inspiring IMGs as they navigate their journey toward a career in U.S. medicine. My goal is to help create educational resources, mentorship opportunities, and supportive pathways that empower IMGs to succeed and exceed expectations.
One of the most meaningful lessons I carry with me comes from my mentor, Dr. William D. Chey, who often reminds his trainees that “There are lots of ways to make a difference.” This philosophy continues to guide my approach to medicine, mentorship, and advocacy. Through my work with the Southern Medical Association, I hope to inspire fellow IMGs to recognize their own potential to lead, to serve, and to create meaningful change within medicine.
Dr. Iqbal is an Internal Medicine resident at Magnolia Regional Health Center and serves as the leader of SMA's IMG Support & Advocacy Ad Hoc Committee Education Subcommittee.
