Imposter Syndrome as an International Medical Graduate

Written by Julio Cesar Nunes, MD (Proud Latin-American)

Lindsey Ulin has previously shared valuable advice on “Interview Season Imposter Syndrome” (1). Her words definitely resonate with my experience as an applicant to psychiatry programs this past season: “the match isn’t perfect, and it can make you feel like you are solely defined by what’s on your CV”. I would like to expand on Lindsey’s thoughts and discuss them from the perspective of an International Medical Graduate.

Although IMGs and AMGs may share some of the same struggles, I invite readers to ask themselves: what if you were defined by what is not on your CV? What if programs didn’t open your application because of your visa status? What if all the effort you put into your application was “filtered out” and ignored based on uncontrollable factors such as nationality or year of graduation, and not your personal achievements?

Quite frequently, International Medical Graduates must find the means to flourish in a less than welcoming system. In this process, reminding yourself of your worth and merit becomes a challenge made even harder by bureaucratic system barriers. We will often hear that IMGs are taking residency spots that should be given to Americans. Remind yourselves, fellow international friends: the flaws of the system were not caused by you; unmatched AMGs are a terrible consequence of a systemic crisis, not of IMG occupation. I suggest all applicants, IMGs and AMGs, to use their voices throughout their careers to criticize the imperfect system, not each other. Meanwhile, I would like to share some practical tips to help you keep your head up high when others, and you, do not believe you should occupy that residency spot:

 

Step 1. Reflect on your origins.

As I experienced self-doubt in my own application process, from the Step 1 to the residency interviews, looking back at my history kept me proud. As an IMG, I was exposed to social disparities and populations not as commonly seen in the developed world. Through voluntary work, clinical care, and activism, helping the underserved became part of my mission. When self-doubt, bureaucracy, or other people hindered my motivation to go through the residency process, I reflected on the people I had helped along the way. When the impostor syndrome hits, remember your mission, why you chose medicine, and who you are ultimately working for.

 

Step 2: Reflect on the present.

Think of the meaningful work you are developing right now. It doesn’t matter if you are in your home country working in the community or doing a research experience in the US, I am sure you are working hard for your dreams. Look yourself in the mirror and be proud of the person you’ve become. Your past experiences brought you this far, and you will keep on thriving.

 

Step 3: Reflect on what is to come.

You planned each step of the way, from the traditional challenges such as the USMLE, to the IMG burdens including visa needs and US clinical experiences. You underwent this expensive, tiresome, and long process with a goal in mind: getting high quality residency training and helping others with that knowledge. In each step of my personal journey, no matter how tired I was, having that finish line in clear sight helped me push through. The road to residency is a marathon that you run against yourself, keep going! And be sure we will be cheering for you along the way!

  1. Lindsey Ulin’s Interview Imposter Syndrome Piece: https://www.insidethematch.com/match-tips/interview-season-imposter-syndrome

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