The IMG Residency Match Podcast

Dr. Sushania Pryce is in love with Family Medicine. In fact, she has been smitten by her specialty of choice since she was a child. But the Match process can test even the most driven IMGs, even Dr. Pryce. Sushania’s story captures the highs and lows of her journey, including the years she watched others matching, wondering when it would be her turn. Growing up in Jamaica, Sushania dreamed of becoming a doctor, but the reality of matching in the U.S. brought pauses, detours, doubts, and cultural shock. Instead of giving up at any stage, Dr. Pryce  pressed forward, found her place in a new family medicine program, and rose to chief resident. In this episode, she shares the lessons that carried her through uncertainty and reveals why persistence and authenticity matter most. Tune in now and discover the mindset that can turn your Match journey into a success story.00:00 Introduction to the Journey of a Family Doctor00:23 Overcoming Challenges in Medical Training00:55 Leadership and Advocacy in Medicine01:37 Welcome to the IMG Residency Match Podcast02:18 Meet Dr. Sushania Pryce: A Journey in Family Medicine03:33 Early Inspirations and Medical School04:53 Choosing Family Medicine07:46 Differences in Family Medicine: Jamaica vs. USA09:40 Advice for Aspiring Medical Professionals10:17 The Importance of Persistence and Mindset13:56 The Role of Medical Education in Career Success15:59 Navigating the Interview Season19:25 Handling Illegal Questions During Interviews20:32 Top 3 Tips for Starting Your Match Journey22:03 Balancing Excitement and Fear in a New City23:25 Leveraging Your Support System25:23 Cultural and Systemic Challenges for IMGs28:47 Becoming Chief Resident: A Journey of Leadership34:32 Life in Milwaukee: Food, Fun, and Sports36:23 Legacy and Future Goals in Family Medicine38:07 Final Thoughts and Farewell

For many IMGs, the match feels like a gamble stacked against them, especially when the specialty is as competitive as anesthesiology. In this episode, you’ll hear about an IMG who knew she would only go after her true love specialty. From facing others’ doubts and discouragement to navigating a new medical system and excelling in residency, Dr. Lori-Ann Edwards carved out a path to pediatric anesthesiology and academic medicine. Along the way, she reveals what really separates successful IMG applicants: authentic letters that speak to who you are, applications that tell a bigger story than scores alone, and the courage to chase the specialty you actually want. This isn’t just advice, it’s a roadmap for every IMG who refuses to settle.00:00 Overcoming Self-Doubt: A Journey Begins00:27 Early Challenges and Unexpected Rewards01:28 Introducing Dr. Lori-Ann Edwards03:11 Inspiration and Early Influences05:03 Medical School Highs and Lows07:14 Choosing Anesthesiology11:24 Residency Experiences and Challenges15:02 Advice for Aspiring Anesthesiologists25:02 The Importance of Letters and Scores29:01 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Ever felt like being an IMG means your options are limited? You’re not stuck. In this conversation, you’ll hear how an international medical graduate who once struggled with grades, finances, and uncertainty transformed his life through self-discovery, research opportunities, relentless goal setting, and consistent action. From working at a pretzel store to becoming a board-certified mental health counselor, public speaker, and founder of the California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology (CIBNP), Dr. Hassaan Tohid’s story shows how obstacles can become fuel for growth. Hundreds of IMGs turn to Dr. Tohid’s institute to get much needed experience in research and publications. If you’re an IMG wondering how to get research experience, or how carve your path inside or outside the match, press play!00:00 Cultural Expectations and Career Choices00:44 A Life-Changing Book01:56 Introduction to Dr. Hassaan Tohid02:40 Dr. Tohid's Journey and Philosophy04:23 Self-Discovery and Career Path14:14 The Power of Visualization and Success19:15 The Importance of Reading and Mentorship24:12 Networking and Environment for Success26:25 Entering the Mental Health Field27:30 Balancing Finances and Volunteer Work28:23 Finding a Mentor and Gaining Experience28:53 The Job Search Journey30:09 A Surprising Opportunity33:14 Starting a Research Career34:04 Launching CIBNP and Overcoming Challenges35:09 Career in Substance Abuse Therapy36:08 Growth of CIBNP and Personal Achievements38:36 Encouragement for IMGs46:07 Global Opportunities for IMGs48:34 Success Stories from CIBNP50:07 Legacy and Final Thoughts

What if one last-minute decision completely changed the course of your life and your career? That’s exactly what happened to Dr. Rodney Guiseppi. Accepted into engineering, he pivoted overnight to medicine in Jamaica, faced culture shock, and later discovered a passion for ophthalmology after his grandmother regained her sight. From building mentor relationships to calling programs directly, his story reveals how genuine connections and persistence turned just two interviews into a successful match in one of the most competitive specialties. If you’re an IMG navigating the match, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss.00:00 The Unexpected Path to Medicine00:23 Adjusting to Life in Jamaica00:37 Networking and Building Relationships01:51 Introduction to the IMG Residency Match Podcast02:33 Meet  Dr. Rodney Guiseppi03:46 Early Life and Education05:25 Choosing Medicine Over Engineering07:06 Transition to Medical School in Jamaica08:25 Discovering a Passion for Ophthalmology10:31 The Journey to Residency in the US13:46 Mentorship and Support19:26 Residency Challenges and Successes20:52 Pursuing a Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery22:18 Advice for IMGs Applying to the Match24:58 Balancing Family and Career26:10 Patient Appreciation and Final Thoughts26:56 Closing Remarks and Resources

Thousands of residency applications get read every year, but only a few truly stand out. What makes the difference? In this episode, you’ll learn how to write a personal statement that selection committees can sum up in a single sentence, why authenticity is impossible to fake, and how to choose experiences that prove you belong in your chosen specialty. If you’re serious about making your application unforgettable, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.00:00 Introduction to Crafting a Memorable Application01:20 Welcome to the IMG Residency Match Podcast02:01 Key Qualities for a Standout Application02:27 The Importance of Clarity05:45 Embracing Authenticity in Your Application09:41 Ensuring Relevance in Your Application13:06 Core Questions to Address in Your Personal Statement18:06 Final Tips for a Memorable Application21:20 Conclusion and Next Steps

Dear IMG: What if the biggest obstacle to your dream residency match isn’t your USMLE scores, your research, or even other match applicants? In this episode, admissions consultant and founder of Memorable Essay, Shawna-Kaye Lester, gets into why your mindset may cost you a match. She shares four mental shifts every ambitious IMG must make to get through the match and into their dream life.. From rejecting the belief that being an IMG is a weakness, to stepping into your identity as a young doctor, to radical focus on yourself, and embracing  the power of making your match journey a team sport, this week’s episode is the morning motivation you didn’t know you needed. If you’ve been feeling self-doubt and overwhelm creep in on your match journey, this episode will help you set your mind right and enjoy powering through to Match Day. 00:00 Introduction and Overcoming Self-Doubt01:05 Welcome to the IMG Residency Match Podcast01:49 Meet Your Host: Shawna-Kaye Lester  02:36 Four Essential Mindset Shifts for the Match02:58 Mindset Shift 1: Being an IMG is Not a Weakness06:20 Mindset Shift 2: Embrace Your Identity as a Young Doctor10:28 Mindset Shift 3: The Real Competition is Yourself15:47 Mindset Shift 4: Accepting Help and Building a Support System21:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts24:00 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

What does it take to leave Jamaica, navigate culture shock, survive residency during a pandemic, and still find joy in medicine? Dr. Samantha Patterson’s story is a blueprint for every IMG daring to dream beyond borders. In this heartening conversation, she shares her early passion for medicine, her pivot from pediatrics to internal medicine, and the moment she knew geriatrics was her calling. From the hustle mentality she rejected to the unexpected advice that led her to Harvard, this episode reveals how clarity, community, and the courage to ask can shape your match journey. If you’ve ever doubted your timeline, questioned your path, or wondered if your dreams were too big, this one’s for you. Listen now!00:00 The Hustle Mentality and Residency Support00:55 Introducing the IMG Residency Match Podcast01:36 Meet Dr. Samantha Patterson02:59 Early Life and Aspirations05:31 Discovering a Passion for Medicine07:27 Choosing Internal Medicine Over Pediatrics08:50 The Journey to Geriatrics15:03 Cultural Differences in Medical Practice18:51 The Importance of Friendship in Residency20:51 The Importance of Support in Residency21:29 Post-Residency Accomplishments and Geriatrics Fellowship25:09 Working as a Geriatrician: Challenges and Rewards28:19 Advice for Non-Traditional Medical Students30:44 The Importance of Networking and Asking for Help34:38 Improving Geriatric Care and Policy Making38:56 Final Thoughts and Legacy44:55 Closing Remarks and Resources

If you knocked on the Match door and it didn't open, would you stop? Or would you pivot, adapt, and grow stronger? In this honest and insightful conversation, Dr. Brian Brereton shares how a childhood dream of saving hearts led him on a global medical journey from Jamaica to the United Kingdom, and finally to a  United States residency in internal medicine. But his story isn’t just about geography, it’s about mindset. Dr. Brereton opens up about coming out of a small town as a child and being shocked by the big city, trying another door when one doesn't open after three tries, building community in unlikely places, and achieving an enviable roster of research publications as a full-time physician and Master's student. He also talks about discovering why, after all, his circuitous route was an advantageous one. His advice for you as an IMG? Never underestimate the strength of your medical training. This is priceless motivation for any IMG wondering: Is it still worth it? Can I still make it? Am I enough?   Yes, you can make it. And Dr. Brereton's blueprint of perseverance and excellence shows you exactly how. Listen now!00:00 Introduction 00:54 Welcome to the IMG Residency Match Podcast01:34 Dr. Brian Brereton's Journey Begins02:48 Life in Barbados and Jamaica04:41 Challenges and Growth in the UK05:48 Residency in the US10:50 The Importance of Lifelong Friendships13:49 Choosing Medicine and Internal Medicine29:47 Why Cardiology?32:20 Advice for Future IMGs38:13 Conclusion and Gratitude

What if the thing you’ve been told is a weakness in your application is the very thing that sets you apart? It depends on the value you place on it. Dr. Vernicia Hernandez, born and raised in Mayaro, a small community in Trinidad and Tobago, brings more than just credentials to the residency match. In this powerful conversation, she reflects on the long road from an internship in the Caribbean to matching at her first choice, the University of Miami. From working as a clinical tutor at SGU, to weighing England vs. the U.S., to the bold decision not to rank a program she didn’t believe in, Dr. Vernicia shows how matching isn’t just about test scores, it’s about valuing yourself and what you bring to a program, even as an IMG. You’ll hear what made her fall in love with internal medicine, why she’s building her career in sleep medicine, and how she plans to give back through healthcare policy and advocacy. If you’re an IMG still figuring out how to stand out, this is your guide.00:00 Intro00:58 Welcome to the IMG Residency Match Podcast01:38 Meet Dr. Vernicia Hernandez02:33 Journey to Medicine05:26 Choosing Internal Medicine08:16 The Match Process11:18 Preparing for Residency14:43 Residency Experience and Growth23:32 Specializing in Sleep Medicine27:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

What if your lowest moment in the Match process paled in comparison to finding out that you matched? Dr. Peter-Gay Thompson went from a tiny town in rural Jamaica, a place most people have never even heard of, to matching into a pediatric residency in Miami, Florida, driven by the belief of her family members, perseverance, faith, and her mother’s example of relentless service. Dr. Thompson shares valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of her journey, including the influence of her mother’s legacy of service, the emotional rollercoaster of the residency application process, and the cultural and emotional adjustments during her intern year. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re really cut out for this journey, this is the story you need to hear. Press play and prepare to believe again.00:00 Intro00:54 Introducing the IMG Residency Match Podcast01:32 Meet Dr. Peter Gay Thompson02:44 Growing Up in Jamaica05:33 Choosing Pediatrics as a Specialty07:41 The Challenges and Rewards of Pediatrics11:19 Overcoming Obstacles in the Match Process14:45 The Joy of Matching into Residency17:52 A Father's Confidence18:42 Facing Intern Year Challenges19:35 Coping with Loneliness20:00 Finding Support and Therapy22:47 Expanding the Definition of Service25:37 Advice for Future Interns27:24 Personal Growth and Social Expansion30:02 Future Aspirations and ConclusionApplying to the Match? Click here to learn more about how we can support you: https://bit.ly/imgmatch