The IMG Residency Match Podcast

Shawna-Kaye Lester
  • 4.5 (4)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Listen for insider strategies and inspiration to help you match into residency.

  1. 09/19/2025

    S2, EP 12: How Love Led This IMG to Becoming A Family Medicine Chief Resident

    Dr. Sushania Pryce is in love with Family Medicine. In fact, she has been smitten by her specialty of choice since she was a child. But the Match process can test even the most driven IMGs, even Dr. Pryce. Sushania’s story captures the highs and lows of her journey, including the years she watched others matching, wondering when it would be her turn. Growing up in Jamaica, Sushania dreamed of becoming a doctor, but the reality of matching in the U.S. brought pauses, detours, doubts, and cultural shock. Instead of giving up at any stage, Dr. Pryce  pressed forward, found her place in a new family medicine program, and rose to chief resident.  In this episode, she shares the lessons that carried her through uncertainty and reveals why persistence and authenticity matter most. Tune in now and discover the mindset that can turn your Match journey into a success story. 00:00 Introduction to the Journey of a Family Doctor 00:23 Overcoming Challenges in Medical Training 00:55 Leadership and Advocacy in Medicine 01:37 Welcome to the IMG Residency Match Podcast 02:18 Meet Dr. Sushania Pryce: A Journey in Family Medicine 03:33 Early Inspirations and Medical School 04:53 Choosing Family Medicine 07:46 Differences in Family Medicine: Jamaica vs. USA 09:40 Advice for Aspiring Medical Professionals 10:17 The Importance of Persistence and Mindset 13:56 The Role of Medical Education in Career Success 15:59 Navigating the Interview Season 19:25 Handling Illegal Questions During Interviews 20:32 Top 3 Tips for Starting Your Match Journey 22:03 Balancing Excitement and Fear in a New City 23:25 Leveraging Your Support System 25:23 Cultural and Systemic Challenges for IMGs 28:47 Becoming Chief Resident: A Journey of Leadership 34:32 Life in Milwaukee: Food, Fun, and Sports 36:23 Legacy and Future Goals in Family Medicine 38:07 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    40 min

  2. 09/13/2025

    S2, EP 11: How This Assistant Program Director Went From Underestimated IMG to Pediatric Anesthesiologist

    For many IMGs, the match feels like a gamble stacked against them, especially when the specialty is as competitive as anesthesiology.  In this episode, you’ll hear about an IMG who knew she would only go after her true love specialty. From facing others’ doubts and discouragement to navigating a new medical system and excelling in residency, Dr. Lori-Ann Edwards carved out a path to pediatric anesthesiology and academic medicine.  Along the way, she reveals what really separates successful IMG applicants: authentic letters that speak to who you are, applications that tell a bigger story than scores alone, and the courage to chase the specialty you actually want. This isn’t just advice, it’s a roadmap for every IMG who refuses to settle. 00:00 Overcoming Self-Doubt: A Journey Begins 00:27 Early Challenges and Unexpected Rewards 01:28 Introducing Dr. Lori-Ann Edwards 03:11 Inspiration and Early Influences 05:03 Medical School Highs and Lows 07:14 Choosing Anesthesiology 11:24 Residency Experiences and Challenges 15:02 Advice for Aspiring Anesthesiologists 25:02 The Importance of Letters and Scores 29:01 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

    31 min

  3. 09/06/2025

    S2, EP 10: One IMG Researcher Shares His Formula For Match, Entrepreneurship, And Life Success

    Ever felt like being an IMG means your options are limited? You’re not stuck. In this conversation, you’ll hear how an international medical graduate who once struggled with grades, finances, and uncertainty transformed his life through self-discovery, research opportunities, relentless goal setting, and consistent action. From working at a pretzel store to becoming a board-certified mental health counselor, public speaker, and founder of the California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology (CIBNP), Dr. Hassaan Tohid’s story shows how obstacles can become fuel for growth. Hundreds of IMGs turn to Dr. Tohid’s institute to get much needed experience in research and publications. If you’re an IMG wondering how to get research experience, or how carve your path inside or outside the match, press play! 00:00 Cultural Expectations and Career Choices 00:44 A Life-Changing Book 01:56 Introduction to Dr. Hassaan Tohid 02:40 Dr. Tohid's Journey and Philosophy 04:23 Self-Discovery and Career Path 14:14 The Power of Visualization and Success 19:15 The Importance of Reading and Mentorship 24:12 Networking and Environment for Success 26:25 Entering the Mental Health Field 27:30 Balancing Finances and Volunteer Work 28:23 Finding a Mentor and Gaining Experience 28:53 The Job Search Journey 30:09 A Surprising Opportunity 33:14 Starting a Research Career 34:04 Launching CIBNP and Overcoming Challenges 35:09 Career in Substance Abuse Therapy 36:08 Growth of CIBNP and Personal Achievements 38:36 Encouragement for IMGs 46:07 Global Opportunities for IMGs 48:34 Success Stories from CIBNP 50:07 Legacy and Final Thoughts

    53 min

  4. 08/27/2025

    S2, EP 9: How An Almost-Engineer Found A New Vision In Ophthalmology

    What if one last-minute decision completely changed the course of your life and your career? That’s exactly what happened to Dr. Rodney Guiseppi. Accepted into engineering, he pivoted overnight to medicine in Jamaica, faced culture shock, and later discovered a passion for ophthalmology after his grandmother regained her sight. From building mentor relationships to calling programs directly, his story reveals how genuine connections and persistence turned just two interviews into a successful match in one of the most competitive specialties. If you’re an IMG navigating the match, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss. 00:00 The Unexpected Path to Medicine 00:23 Adjusting to Life in Jamaica 00:37 Networking and Building Relationships 01:51 Introduction to the IMG Residency Match Podcast 02:33 Meet  Dr. Rodney Guiseppi 03:46 Early Life and Education 05:25 Choosing Medicine Over Engineering 07:06 Transition to Medical School in Jamaica 08:25 Discovering a Passion for Ophthalmology 10:31 The Journey to Residency in the US 13:46 Mentorship and Support 19:26 Residency Challenges and Successes 20:52 Pursuing a Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery 22:18 Advice for IMGs Applying to the Match 24:58 Balancing Family and Career 26:10 Patient Appreciation and Final Thoughts 26:56 Closing Remarks and Resources

    29 min

  5. 08/22/2025

    S2, EP 8: Three Qualities That Will Make Your Match Application Memorable

    Thousands of residency applications get read every year, but only a few truly stand out. What makes the difference?  In this episode, you’ll learn how to write a personal statement that selection committees can sum up in a single sentence, why authenticity is impossible to fake, and how to choose experiences that prove you belong in your chosen specialty. If you’re serious about making your application unforgettable, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss. 00:00 Introduction to Crafting a Memorable Application 01:20 Welcome to the IMG Residency Match Podcast 02:01 Key Qualities for a Standout Application 02:27 The Importance of Clarity 05:45 Embracing Authenticity in Your Application 09:41 Ensuring Relevance in Your Application 13:06 Core Questions to Address in Your Personal Statement 18:06 Final Tips for a Memorable Application 21:20 Conclusion and Next Steps

    23 min

  6. 08/15/2025

    S2, EP 7: 4 Mindset Shifts You Must Make To Match

    Dear IMG: What if the biggest obstacle to your dream residency match isn’t your USMLE scores, your research, or even other match applicants?  In this episode, admissions consultant and founder of Memorable Essay, Shawna-Kaye Lester, gets into why your mindset may cost you a match.  She shares four mental shifts every ambitious IMG must make to get through the match and into their dream life.. From rejecting the belief that being an IMG is a weakness, to stepping into your identity as a young doctor, to radical focus on yourself, and embracing  the power of making your match journey a team sport, this week’s episode is the morning motivation you didn’t know you needed. If you’ve been feeling self-doubt and overwhelm creep in on your match journey, this episode will help you set your mind right and enjoy powering through to Match Day.  00:00 Introduction and Overcoming Self-Doubt 01:05 Welcome to the IMG Residency Match Podcast 01:49 Meet Your Host: Shawna-Kaye Lester   02:36 Four Essential Mindset Shifts for the Match 02:58 Mindset Shift 1: Being an IMG is Not a Weakness 06:20 Mindset Shift 2: Embrace Your Identity as a Young Doctor 10:28 Mindset Shift 3: The Real Competition is Yourself 15:47 Mindset Shift 4: Accepting Help and Building a Support System 21:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 24:00 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

    25 min

  7. 08/08/2025

    S2, EP 6: This Harvard-Trained Geriatrician Shares A Match Blueprint And Motivation

    What does it take to leave Jamaica, navigate culture shock, survive residency during a pandemic, and still find joy in medicine? Dr. Samantha Patterson’s story is a blueprint for every IMG daring to dream beyond borders. In this heartening conversation, she shares her early passion for medicine, her pivot from pediatrics to internal medicine, and the moment she knew geriatrics was her calling. From the hustle mentality she rejected to the unexpected advice that led her to Harvard, this episode reveals how clarity, community, and the courage to ask can shape your match journey. If you’ve ever doubted your timeline, questioned your path, or wondered if your dreams were too big, this one’s for you. Listen now! 00:00 The Hustle Mentality and Residency Support 00:55 Introducing the IMG Residency Match Podcast 01:36 Meet Dr. Samantha Patterson 02:59 Early Life and Aspirations 05:31 Discovering a Passion for Medicine 07:27 Choosing Internal Medicine Over Pediatrics 08:50 The Journey to Geriatrics 15:03 Cultural Differences in Medical Practice 18:51 The Importance of Friendship in Residency 20:51 The Importance of Support in Residency 21:29 Post-Residency Accomplishments and Geriatrics Fellowship 25:09 Working as a Geriatrician: Challenges and Rewards 28:19 Advice for Non-Traditional Medical Students 30:44 The Importance of Networking and Asking for Help 34:38 Improving Geriatric Care and Policy Making 38:56 Final Thoughts and Legacy 44:55 Closing Remarks and Resources

    46 min

  8. 07/31/2025

    S2, Ep 5: How This Perseverant IMG Pivoted His British Career To A Successful Match

    If you knocked on the Match door and it didn't open, would you stop? Or would you pivot, adapt, and grow stronger? In this honest and insightful conversation, Dr. Brian Brereton shares how a childhood dream of saving hearts led him on a global medical journey from Jamaica to the United Kingdom, and finally to a  United States residency in internal medicine.  But his story isn’t just about geography, it’s about mindset. Dr. Brereton opens up about coming out of a small town as a child and being shocked by the big city, trying another door when one doesn't open after three tries, building community in unlikely places, and achieving an enviable roster of research publications as a full-time physician and Master's student. He also talks about discovering why, after all, his circuitous route was an advantageous one. His advice for you as an IMG? Never underestimate the strength of your medical training. This is priceless motivation for any IMG wondering: Is it still worth it? Can I still make it? Am I enough?   Yes, you can make it. And Dr. Brereton's blueprint of perseverance and excellence shows you exactly how. Listen now! 00:00 Introduction  00:54 Welcome to the IMG Residency Match Podcast 01:34 Dr. Brian Brereton's Journey Begins 02:48 Life in Barbados and Jamaica 04:41 Challenges and Growth in the UK 05:48 Residency in the US 10:50 The Importance of Lifelong Friendships 13:49 Choosing Medicine and Internal Medicine 29:47 Why Cardiology? 32:20 Advice for Future IMGs 38:13 Conclusion and Gratitude

    41 min
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Listen for insider strategies and inspiration to help you match into residency.

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