Networking Tips for IMGs
Written by Nina Madjer
Networking is a crucial tool for medical professionals, but even more so for aspiring medical professionals. From networking with other healthcare providers, relationships are formed and new career opportunities can blossom. One career opportunity that is vitally important to a medical student is mentorship. But, for international medical students/graduates (IMGs), mentorship and networking can be one of the biggest challenges.
Unlike domestic students, IMGs do not typically have a “home-based hospital” in the United States. They frequently have to move to multiple cities and states for their rotations, which can make networking and developing mentorships with preceptors difficult. Often, mentorship requires a relationship that is built over time, and in the case of most IMGs, that simply isn’t possible.
But, in my experience, there are a few things to keep in mind that can boost networking and mentorship opportunities even if moving every 4-to 8 weeks cannot be avoided. These are my top 4 tips that helped facilitate mentorship and networking for me as an IMG:
Reach out to alumni of your school that have successfully matched in the United States and your desired specialty. They may have paved the way in certain hospitals or programs in the United States that could offer you an away rotation, or at least a contact at that program.
Attend professional organization/society conferences (virtual or in-person) for your desired specialty, and reach out to the speakers at those conferences. They may have opportunities that they don’t offer publicly but do offer privately when contacted, including mentorship and research opportunities.
Instagram and other social media platforms are your friends! Contact residents and attending physicians on social media and explain your need for mentorship. Seek out collaboration on projects and research. Be an active advocate for yourself! Social media pages (like Inside The Match) also have so many resources and notifications of opportunities, so be alert.
Even if you do have to move away from a hospital where you did a rotation and enjoyed learning from a particular preceptor, stay in touch with them via email! Continue to reach out to them after you leave their hospital and ask them for advice. Ask if they are working on any upcoming projects that you can help with. Keeping a good and consistent flow of communication can go a long way and show your interest in maintaining a professional relationship with them.
