International Medical Graduates (IMGs) play a vital role in the healthcare workforce, contributing meaningfully to patient care, research, and medical education. However, IMGs often face unique challenges related to licensing, accreditation, professional development, and career advancement. To address these barriers, the IMG Support & Advocacy Ad Hoc Committee has been established to provide SMA members a dedicated platform to support, mentor, and advocate for IMGs, ensuring they receive the necessary guidance, resources, and opportunities to thrive within the U.S. healthcare system.

IMG Support & Advocacy Ad Hoc Committee Mission and Vision

Mission Statement
The IMG Support & Advocacy Ad Hoc Committee is dedicated to empowering International Medical Graduates by providing guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to help them integrate into the medical community, navigate career challenges, and advocate for equitable opportunities in training and in practice.

Vision Statement
To establish a supportive, inclusive, and resource-rich network where International Medical Graduates can thrive academically, professionally, and personally, while actively working towards systemic improvements in IMG representation and integration within medical organizations.

Program Overview

The Fellowship Forward Mentorship Program aims to empower International Medical Graduate (IMG) residents in U.S. training programs to navigate the highly competitive fellowship application process. The program pairs IMG residents with mentors (current fellows, junior faculty, or senior residents who have successfully matched) and provides structured support to enhance competitiveness, clarity, and confidence.

Eligibility - You must be an SMA Member to participate in this program. JOIN NOW

Program Leadership:

Sangeetha Isaac, MD – Chair, IMG Support & Advocacy Ad Hoc Committee, SMA

Amna Bint I Munir, MBBS – Lead, Mentorship & Networking Subcommittee, IMG Support & Advocacy Ad Hoc Committee, SMA 

Samhitha Gundakaram, MBBS – Lead, Mentorship & Networking Subcommittee, IMG Support & Advocacy Ad Hoc Committee, SMA

Prepare for Residency:

September Webinar Sessions for IMGs

The Southern Medical Association’s IMG Support and Advocacy Ad Hoc Committee invites international medical graduates to participate in a series of webinars offering practical guidance for navigating the U.S. residency application and Match process.

This September, three consecutive Wednesday sessions will address key stages of the residency journey—from building a competitive application and developing strong application materials to preparing for interviews and navigating the Match. Each session begins at 12:00 pm Central.

Building a Competitive Residency Application

September 2, 2026 | 12:00 pm Central
Guest Speaker: Arsalan Z. Iqbal, MD
Register for the Sept. 2 Webinar

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the U.S. residency application process, with particular attention to the challenges and opportunities faced by international medical graduates. Participants will learn how to strategically approach the application process, identify factors that strengthen their candidacy, and develop a well-rounded application that effectively communicates their experiences, accomplishments, and readiness for residency training.

About the Speaker: Dr. Iqbal is an Internal Medicine resident at Magnolia Regional Health Center and an international medical graduate with clinical research experience at the University of Mississippi and University of Michigan. A member of SMA’s IMG Support and Advocacy Committee, he is committed to mentoring and supporting IMGs pursuing residency training in the United States.

CV, Personal Statement, and Letters of Recommendation

September 9, 2026 | 12:00 pm Central
Guest Speaker: Samhitha Gundakaram, MD
Register for the Sept. 9 Webinar

This session will focus on three key components of the residency application: the curriculum vitae, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Participants will learn how to present their experiences effectively, develop a compelling personal narrative, and understand the role of strong letters of recommendation in supporting their candidacy. The session will also highlight common mistakes and practical strategies for creating a cohesive and professional application.

About the Speaker: Dr. Gundakaram is a PGY-3 Internal Medicine resident and member of SMA’s IMG Support and Advocacy Committee, where she leads the Mentorship and Networking Subcommittee. An international medical graduate, she also co-developed SMA’s Fellowship Forward Mentorship Program and has experience mentoring IMG applicants.

Interview Preparation and Match Strategy

September 16, 2026 | 12:00 pm Central
Guest Speaker: Amna Bint I. Munir, MD
Register for the Sept. 16 Webinar

This session will prepare applicants to navigate residency interviews and the subsequent Match process with confidence. Participants will learn strategies for effective interview preparation and communication, approaches to common and challenging interview questions, and professional follow-up. The session will also address rank-order list considerations and practical strategies for navigating the Match process as an international medical graduate.

About the Speaker: Dr. Munir is a PGY-3 Internal Medicine resident at North Alabama Medical Center and an international medical graduate. Through SMA’s IMG Support and Advocacy Committee, she has helped develop mentorship and educational initiatives for IMGs, including Fellowship Forward, and is leading efforts to develop Residency Forward.

These September webinars are part of SMA’s ongoing efforts to provide international medical graduates with practical education, mentorship, and resources as they pursue training and professional opportunities in the United States.

IMG Community

IMG Stories aim to inspire, connect, and support the IMG community that highlight the diverse paths that shape the future of medicine.

Our IMG Map highlights the diverse backgrounds of our International Medical Graduate members by showcasing the countries they represent around the world.

How to Get Involved:

1. Become an SMA Member: Join SMA today and gain access to this committee, along with a range of member-exclusive benefits.
   

2. Get Involved: Whether you're an IMG or an ally passionate about supporting IMG physicians, your interest and perspective are valued. To learn more or express your interest in the committee, please contact Dr. Sangeetha Isaac, Committee Chair, at [email protected].