Building Your Medical Success Story: Tips from US-IMG Dr. Christina Abi Kheir (IMG Roadmap Series #109)

What will you do when you become a resident physician? Mentor others? Give back to your home town? Sponsor your family? Whatever it is, this is your time to make this dream come true!

Do not miss out on this opportunity! You deserve a residency position too, the IMG Roadmap coaching program is now open, click here to JOIN NOW

*****

Are you dreaming of pursuing a competitive specialty like Pediatrics but feeling unsure of how to make it happen? If you have not matched and are considering going through the SOAP process, today's guest, US IMG Dr. Christina Abi Kheir, is here to offer guidance and help you build your medical success story!

Here are some highlights of her background:

Originally from Lebanon, but with US citizenship, she attended a UK medical school in Cyprus, enrolling in their 4-year medical program.
Currently a 2nd year pediatric resident at a program in Louisiana.
Graduated in 2020, just as the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
During medical school, she completed two years of clinical rotations in Chicago after completing three years of pre-medical studies in Biology as an undergraduate.
Considers herself a US-IMG, which has its benefits regarding visas, but as an IMG, she still faces the same academic scrutiny as other IMGs.

Dr. Kheir always knew she wanted to end up in the United States. Her journey from 2020 onwards included the following:

Preparation for boards came quite late.
She couldn't apply for residency until after graduation due to the pandemic and everything going virtual, which prevented her from working in an in-person research job as planned.
She worked hard to establish virtual connections, took courses to build her CV and stayed in touch with her clinical skills, and got a job in a pediatric outpatient clinic.
She reached out to me for coaching and interview practice in preparation for her residency application.
She used resources such as FindAResident.
Unfortunately, she didn't match the first time, but she traveled back home to Lebanon and picked herself up, starting the SOAP process, which eventually didn't work, so she decided to scramble.
After the SOAP, she reached out to program directors with available spots and was able to express her interest and get feedback to make herself more marketable as an applicant.

Tips on the SOAP process:

Be prepared for the possibility that you may not match.
Download all of your documents and stay connected to those who wrote your letters of recommendation, just in case you need another one.
Surround yourself with a support system of friends and family for emotional help and research assistance.
Always have backup personal statements ready in case you don't match.
Save all questions asked during interview season and relevant documents.
Don't panic and focus on your goal, as your hard work will not go to waste.
Consider a transition year, where you can do a year in different programs before applying to your desired specialty.
Use social media, networking, and word of mouth to help your cause.
Ask for feedback after not matching to make yourself more marketable as an applicant.
Reach out respectfully and professionally when seeking virtual connections.

General tips for pediatric residency applications:

Consider where you want to end up, as there are many great programs with a holistic approach to applicants.
Apply to community-based programs, which may increase your chances of matching as an IMG.
Do plenty of volunteering to show your active involvement in the community.
Make sure you can fit in with the residents and the program's culture.
Embrace your diverse background, as it is your biggest strength.

Dr. Kheir's Mantra for Success:

God was her biggest drive and she never lost focus.
Don't fear failure, but fear not trying.
Always give 200% effort, as you are destined for success!

Reach out to Dr. Kheir on Twitter at @Christinakheir and Instagram @drbabysteps.

*****

Subscribe to our podcast and newsletter and consider joining our program in the spring to kick start your IMG journey in 2023.

As always you can click on the following links to listen to more episodes of our podcasts on ⁠Apple podcasts⁠, ⁠Google podcasts⁠ and ⁠Spotify⁠.

Click here to join the waitlist for the 2023 cohort of the IMG Roadmap course – the boost you need on your IMG journey!