Thriving in Medicine as an International Medical Graduate and Pediatric Critical Care Physician
Entering medicine as an international medical graduate (IMG) presents unique challenges, but it also offers immense opportunities to bring diverse perspectives to patient care. My journey—from medical school in Qatar to residency and fellowship in the U.S.—taught me resilience, adaptability, and the power of community.
In this article, I’ll share insights on overcoming barriers as an IMG, navigating the complex world of pediatric asthma and allergies, and prioritizing self-care in a demanding medical career.
Whether you’re a student, resident, or practicing physician, I hope my experiences provide encouragement and practical strategies for your own path in medicine.
Overcoming Barriers as an International Medical Graduate
As an IMG, securing a residency spot in the U.S. was one of my biggest hurdles. Despite graduating from an Ivy League-accredited program, I faced significant challenges simply due to the perception of being an international candidate.
While U.S. medical graduates might apply to 15–20 programs, I had to apply to nearly 100, knowing that many programs wouldn’t even consider my application.
Beyond the application process, another major challenge was securing visa sponsorship. Many programs are reluctant to accept IMG candidates requiring work visas, even if they don’t explicitly state it. These systemic barriers make it difficult for talented physicians from diverse backgrounds to gain opportunities in the U.S. healthcare system.
However, despite these obstacles, IMGs make up nearly 25% of the physician workforce in the U.S., contributing invaluable perspectives, research, and innovation. My advice to those pursuing medicine as an IMG is: don’t be discouraged by rejection.
Persistence is key. Seek mentorship, network with other IMGs, and apply broadly. If I could navigate this path, so can you.
Balancing a Career in Pediatric Critical Care and Academics
Working in pediatric critical care is a demanding but incredibly rewarding career path. As a pediatric ICU hospitalist, my days are fast-paced, unpredictable, and emotionally intense. One moment, I might be stabilizing a critically ill child in the emergency department, and the next, I’m attending a high-risk neonatal resuscitation or leading a teaching session for medical students.
What makes my role unique is that I work in an underserved community, where resources are often limited. Unlike major academic hospitals with an abundance of specialists and cutting-edge technology, we have to make every decision count, balancing the best medical practices with the realities of our setting.
This has taught me to be resourceful, adaptable, and deeply aware of social determinants of health—factors like air pollution, housing instability, and healthcare access, which significantly impact my patients’ outcomes.
Teaching the Next Generation of Physicians
One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is mentoring medical students and residents, particularly those from non-traditional backgrounds. As an international medical graduate (IMG) myself, I understand how intimidating it can be to enter a system that doesn’t always feel welcoming.
I make it a priority to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment, where students feel empowered to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and grow into confident clinicians.
One of my biggest teaching philosophies is bringing medicine to life—going beyond textbooks and protocols to understand the real-world context of a patient’s illness. For example, when a child comes in with a severe asthma attack, I don’t just focus on the medications. I ask questions like:
What is their home environment like? Is there exposure to mold or smoke?
Do they have reliable transportation to pick up prescriptions?
Does the family understand how to properly use inhalers and spacers?
By integrating these broader factors into patient care, I hope to instill in my students a holistic approach to medicine—one that prioritizes both clinical excellence and deep human connection.
Balancing Research and Clinical Work
While my main focus is on clinical care, research has always been an important part of my journey. During my fellowship at UCLA, I conducted research on pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and sepsis, analyzing biomarkers that could help predict serious organ injury and mortality. Presenting this research at CHEST, an international pulmonary and critical care national pulmonology conference was a defining moment in my career, reinforcing my passion for evidence-based medicine and innovation in critical care.
Now, in my current role, I strive to keep research as a continuous thread in my practice. Whether through quality improvement projects, mentoring students in research, or staying up to date with the latest studies, I believe that a great physician is also a lifelong learner.
“The best lessons in medicine don’t just come from textbooks or the hospital—they come from being deeply engaged with the people and communities we serve.”
The Challenges of a Pediatric ICU Career
The ICU is an intense place to work, and burnout is a very real issue. The long shifts, high-stakes decisions, and emotional toll of caring for critically ill children require strong coping mechanisms. I’ve learned that to be the best doctor for my patients, I have to take care of myself first.
Prioritizing rest – Recovering after 24-hour shifts is non-negotiable.
Physical movement – Strength training and walks in the sun keep me grounded.
Creative outlets – Singing and spoken word poetry help me express emotions outside of medicine.
Talking about challenges – Creating open conversations about the mental health struggles in medicine is key to breaking the stigma.
By focusing on both my professional growth and personal well-being, I hope to model for my students and colleagues that a fulfilling career in medicine is not just about how much you achieve—but also about how well you take care of yourself along the way.
Self-Care as a Physician: Thriving, Not Just Surviving
In medicine, we’re often taught to be "tough" and push through exhaustion. But the reality is, burnout is real, and ignoring it only leads to worse outcomes for both doctors and patients. I’ve learned to prioritize my well-being in several key ways:
Sleep – No substitute for rest! I make sure to recover after long shifts.
Movement – Weightlifting has been a game-changer for both my physical and mental health.
Sunlight & Fresh Air – Even 15 minutes outside makes a difference in my energy levels.
Creativity – Singing and spoken word poetry allow me to express myself outside of medicine.
Community & Vulnerability – I openly talk about struggles with my peers and students, creating a culture where it's okay to seek help.
For those entering or already working in medicine: Don’t neglect your personal life. The better you care for yourself, the better you can care for your patients.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Your Unique Path in Medicine
If I had one Pinnacle Pearl to share with fellow women in medicine, it would be this:
Your unique background, experiences, and perspective are your strengths. Never underestimate the value you bring to the table.
Medicine is evolving, and there’s more space than ever for diverse voices. Whether you’re an IMG navigating systemic barriers, a physician treating complex conditions, or a professional striving for work-life balance, know that you are not alone.
What’s one step you can take this week to honor your own journey? Whether it’s reaching out for mentorship, prioritizing self-care, or simply embracing your individuality—own it.
Because you belong here.
