IMG Roadmap Series #56: Dr. Joanna Schirtz, Pediatric GI

In this episode of the IMG Roadmap podcast, I speak with Dr. Joanna Schirtz, an IMG who specializes in Pediatric GI care. Dr. Schirtz shares with us her experience as a US IMG and the importance of building intentional relationships throughout every stage of her journey. 

As a US IMG, Joanna went back to Poland for medical school and was fortunate to be in a program that made it a point to prepare their students for success as IMGs who would likely be going back to the US. Despite the extra study resources and lectures though, Dr. Schirtz still had to make sure she found the study habits that worked best for her. By working hard and finding what methods suited her learning style, Joanna was able to excel as she moved forward in taking the USMLE Step 2 exam. 

Regardless of experiences or the pathway of your journey, there are some valuable takeaways from my conversation with Joanna to keep in mind as you go through clerkships, residency, and fellowships.

  • Take advantage of every opportunity, even if it means doing a clerkship or rotation in an area you aren’t as interested in. Every opportunity has the benefit of building important relationships.

  • Don’t shy away from community programs just because they are smaller programs. Smaller programs may provide more opportunity for attendees to better understand your strengths and weaknesses resulting in stronger connections and recommendations.

  • Don’t let stereotypical perceptions of IMGs stop you from going after your goals. Create opportunities for yourself when you see your window.

  • If there are no regulations preventing you, follow up with all the programs you apply at - even if you don’t hear back from them first. This demonstrates persistence.

  • Get involved during your fellowships and residencies to show your commitment to your area of interest. Find mentors, work hard to get good Step scores, and present at conventions or conferences.

Remember, you are already one step ahead by staying connected and seeking out resources such as podcasts, blogs, and IMG communities. Keep going!

If you would like to connect with Dr. Schirtz, follow her on Instagram @gastrodoc.md


Listen to the full podcast on your favorite streaming platform:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-img-roadmap-podcast/id1490731292

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/45NNJ7ewtqynqyssbwm1xz

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9mOGMzY2EwL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz

Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1490731292/the-img-roadmap-podcast

RadioPublic: https://radiopublic.com/the-img-roadmap-podcast-GE0MMg

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