IMG Spotlight: Shaheem Ur Rehman

My IMG Story
By Shaheem Ur Rehman

I am an international medical graduate from Pakistan whose journey to residency in the United States reflects perseverance, adaptability, and a strong commitment to clinical excellence. I graduated from Fazaia Medical College, Islamabad, in 2022, an institution affiliated with the Pakistan Air Force, where I developed a strong foundation in clinical medicine and patient care.

My journey toward residency was shaped by persistence and resilience. Coming from a medical school without a strong international alumni network, the pathway was particularly challenging, with repeated rejections and setbacks. However, I remained consistent in my efforts, driven by the belief that determination and hard work would eventually open doors.

Throughout this process, I committed myself not only to advancing my own career but also to making the journey easier for other international medical graduates. I actively pursued opportunities despite obstacles, eventually securing U.S. clinical experiences that strengthened my application and prepared me for residency training.

My perseverance was rewarded when I matched into an Internal Medicine residency at Baptist Memorial Medical Education in the Golden Triangle region of Mississippi. This milestone represents not only a personal achievement but also the culmination of years of dedication, resilience, and continuous effort.

Staying true to my guiding principle of “making things easier for IMGs,” I have since taken an active role in mentoring and guiding other international medical graduates. I have conducted educational sessions covering the full USMLE pathway—from exam preparation and securing U.S. clinical experience to residency application strategy and interview preparation. Through these initiatives, I aim to support IMGs navigating similar challenges and share the lessons learned from my own journey.

I have joined the SMA IMG community with the same mission: to contribute, support, and simplify the pathway for future international medical graduates striving to achieve residency training in the United States.

“Every rejection I faced became part of the path that prepared me for where I am today. My goal now is to make that path less difficult for the next IMG coming after me.”

Dr. Rehman is a member of SMA's IMG Support & Advocacy Ad Hoc Committee.