From IMG to program director? Critical Care Specialist Dr. Amira Mohamed reveals how she did it! (IMG Roadmap Series #97)
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Have you ever wondered what exactly program directors are looking for when reviewing residency applications from IMGs? Do you also one day see yourself as a program director? Dr. Amira Mohamed is here today to share some valuable insight. Keep listening to learn more about her fascinating journey!
After finishing medical school in Khartoum, Sudan where she was born and raised, Dr. Mohamed made the bold decision to start pursuing medical residency in the US. There was only one problem with that plan: she knew absolutely nothing about how the program worked! Here’s how she managed to navigate through the process and some of the highlights of her journey:
Since she didn’t know the pathway, she took a year off and did a lot of her own research and found out what exams she needed to take, how to study for them, how to apply for residency, and how to select programs based on one’s career goals.
During that year, she moved to the US and did a Step One prep course in Washington DC.
She eventually landed a job as a medical assistant for a gastroenterologist at Howard University hospital, while studying for exams.
Finally, she scored a 3 year internal medicine residency, then a 2 year critical care fellowship.
She was an attending physician for a few years, before transitioning into being an associate program director and then a program director.
Right now she works in the Bronx, New York at the Montefiore Medical Center which is a part of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. There, she serves as a critical care medicine fellowship program director.
The program comprises 18 fellows from different backgrounds. Some of them have done fellowships in various fields such as pulmonary and renal among others, while some have not. They spend 2 years training in the ICU where they graduate as intensivists.
Dr. Mohamed also works with the residency program of her institution as part of the clinical competency committee and at the adjoint medical school as a teacher.
Therefore, while she primarily works with fellows, she also works with residents and students.
She is dedicated to education and places a lot of importance on research as she works in the ICU.
As a program director, here is some of the advice that Dr. Mohamed has for IMGs:
Letters of recommendation should be written by someone who knows you and can highlight your good qualities. These letters should also be geared towards your intended specialty.
Speak to people who have been down your intended path and heed their relevant advice to make your journey easier.
If you can, avoid applying to multiple specialties - if you have to, ensure that you show priority to the specialty you’re most passionate about.
Apply on time -- if you have to be late, send an email explaining the situation.
Take the time to plan your interview cycle carefully—place the programs that you are most interested in, last. That way you can overcome any early interview jitters with lower stakes.
Be careful about the questions you ask. Ensure that your questions demonstrate your interest in the field and willingness to commit. Know your audience!
Have a post-residency plan – what educational, research and other CV building opportunities does your residency have that you can take advantage of?
Networking is key! Go up to the people you admire and ask them how they did it!
As a program director she loves when candidates show initiative and go the extra mile. Don’t hesitate to reach out to programs to show your interest!
If you have any further questions, you can reach out to Dr. Mohamed via twitter @amiramohamedmd.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts