As a physician myself, and after helping THOUSANDS of international graduates match with their dream US residencies, I’ve seen it all…
- Maybe you’re overwhelmed by the super competitive US residency matching system
- Maybe you didn’t get perfect scores in school, or are worried you have red flags on your application
- Maybe you’re worried it’s been “too long” since you graduated
- Maybe you’re scared your personal statement won’t be good enough, or feel intimidated by the interview process
If this sounds (a little too) familiar, then IMG Roadmap®️ is for YOU, my friend.
Whether you’re an American who graduated from an international medical school, or you’re a foreign graduate, I promise you, you can do this. Here’s how I know…
I myself am originally from Cameroon. I had a dream of practicing medicine in the United States, but I was initially rejected by the only medical school in my home country.
I learned the hard way that not all international med school programs are created equal. I had to pivot, then pivot again, until I stumbled upon a path into the United States medical school system. (A “plan” I do not recommend!)
I joke that I was “broke, busted, and disgusted” living in a 200-square-foot apartment in a rough part of Chicago. I started my application process without a plan or strategy, had tons of errors in my personal statement, and had no idea about how internships could influence my application.
Not only did I have many red flags that were easily avoided, but I was also dealing with the emotional and mental turmoil of being an immigrant in the United States.
Fast Forward: I was able to network effectively and got accepted into a residency program that appreciated my background. After becoming Chief Resident in my residency, I got an inside look into what makes a successful resident application…
I started to ask myself: What can I do to make this process easier on other people??
The IMG Roadmap®️ is the EXACT program I wish I’d had to guide me through the daunting process of applying and matching to US medical residencies (without going crazy or losing hope)!
“I wanted to share the good news, I matched into a categorical IM program in New York!...
The change you made where you spoke about the IMG mindset left a huge impact on me. I believe that’s what made the difference in my enthusiasm in attempting to reapply for residency.
I took your advice about publishing and was able to publish an abstract at the ASN last October and obtained a 1-month observership.
I believe what you taught us is invaluable. Thanks for everything!”
-Domonic Archer
“The IMG Roadmap®️ course was the best decision I made in my residency journey. I wasn't sure whether it would help me initially, but as weeks went by, all the advice and suggestions Dr. Lum provided during the course proved to be extremely helpful in enhancing my profile. The mindset and networking portions of the program were most valuable for me. It changed my perspective on how I saw myself as a candidate and motivated me to proactively seek mentorship. Dr. Lum promptly responded to all my questions, not just during the course but throughout the application season as well. Thank you so much for your help and support, Dr. Lum!"
-Dr. Neha Balachandra
Matched Internal Medicine
Here’s exactly what you’ll learn inside the IMG Roadmap®️:
The IMG Roadmap®️ course is broken into six modules….
- MINDSET: Owning your red flags, understanding your value, overcoming “imposter syndrome”, and moving forward with confidence!
- REJECTION-PROOF NETWORKING: How to network in such a way that you attract mentors, sponsors, and colleagues who can help you get to where you want to go faster!
- BUILD A STRATEGIC LIST OF PLACES TO APPLY: Don’t waste money applying to programs that are unlikely to accept you! Invest your application dollars with intention by creating a list of programs that fit YOU. In other words, make sure you’re barking up the right tree!
- HOW TO WRITE A MAGNETIC PERSONAL STATEMENT: Learn to use your unique story to write a personal statement that gets program directors reading your essay from top to bottom! Plus, see examples of successful personal statements that landed IMG Roadmap®️ alumni in their dream residencies.
- GATHER LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: Learn to seek, find, and secure LOR’s that produce favorable results! Understand what to skip, who to pursue, and how to request an LOR in a way that psychologically influences the letter writer to support you. Included in the course: access to our LOR portal!
- HOW TO PACKAGE YOURSELF AS THE PERFECT CANDIDATE! The most valuable module of all… Walk through how to fill out each form field of the application, step by step. First, get clear on how to best represent yourself, present your work competitively on ERAS, learn what experiences to include (or leave out!) on your application, and triage opportunities so you can do what matters most to you down the road.
In short: Learn to represent yourself as the physician you’ve been working hard to become so you can match with your dream US residency!
Curriculum Preview
- Introduction: What to Expect in This Module (4:39)
- Case Study 1. Dr. O's Success Story: Matching with ONE Interview! (5:36)
- Building A New Perspective Toward Success Despite The Competition (3:48)
- How to Dwell In Your Growth Mindset over Your Fixed Mindset I (9:54)
- How To Dwell In Your Growth Mindset Over Your Fixed Mindset II (10:13)
- How To Dwell In Your Growth Mindset Over Your Fixed Mindset III (10:51)
- How To Dwell In Your Growth Mindset Over Your Fixed Mindset IV (4:26)
- Understanding The Conscious & Subconscious Mind In Transforming Your Mindset (8:54)
- 5 Keys To Adopting & Maintaining Your Success Mindset (11:06)
- Transform Your Mindset to Create Success with this Homework
- Introduction: What "NETWORKING" truly means for the IMG (4:37)
- How to Network as an IMG (22:10)
- How To Find USCE On Your Own (5:02)
- How to Find USCE (2:03)
- How To Start Your Search For Programs (7:20)
- Networking at Conferences & Other Takeaways (14:18)
- Questions To Ask Program Directors
- Telehealth Rotations? Should I Do One? (8:22)
- Programs That Offered Externships/Observerships To IMG's In The Past
- Links to Institutions that have offered IMG's USCE
- How To Find Research: The Basics of Research & the IMG's Application Packet I (10:40)
- How To Find Research: The Basics of Research & the IMG's Application Packet II (7:48)
- How To Find A Mentor (20:20)
- The Anatomy of a Networking Email (8:00)
- Anatomy of Networking Email - Sample
- Using Doximity & ClinicalTrials.Gov to Network For Opportunities (7:43)
- BONUS: Downloadable CV Template
- List of Programs That Have Offered Rotations To IMG's.
- BONUS: Downloadable Notes on Networking as an IMG
- BONUS: Resume template you can use when NETWORKING (1:32)
- Sample Email Draft To Send To Programs - Email Variation 1
- Sample Email Draft To Send To Programs - Email Variation 2
- Sample Email Draft To Send To Programs - Email Variation 3
- Sample Email Draft To Send To Programs - Email Variation 4
- Sample Email Draft To Send To Programs - Email Variation 5
- Sample Email Draft To Send To Programs - Email Variation 6
- Sample Email Draft To Send To Programs - Email Variation 7
- Sample Externship:Internship Request Email Draft
- Research Assistance Sample Email
- PDF List Of Program That Have Offered IMG Opportunities for USCE
- BONUS: Programs Tracker Spreadsheet
- BONUS: How To Prepare For A Clinical Rotation & Make A Positive Impression On The Program As An IMG (57:02)
- Publications & Research Section of myERAS Application (16:08)
- Letter of Interest Template
- Email Template for Notifying about Score Availability and Indicating Interest
- Letter of Intent Template
- Introduction: Learn How to Maximize This Module (2:45)
- Case Study: Positions Offered to IMGs in the 2020 Match (22:53)
- How To Manually Find Programs That RANK IMGs (24:38)
- Two Easy Ways To Locate The Programs You Are Eligible For. (12:44)
- Demo: How To Find Programs That Ranked IMGs In the Past (10:14)
- How to Manually Search For Residency Programs In any US State For Every Specialty - For Free (7:07)
- How To Utilize Residency Explorer To Compare Your Profile To Matched Applicants (11:08)
- BONUS: Programs Tracker Spreadsheet
- Demo: How To Use The Program Tracker Spreadsheet (4:38)
- IMG Friendly Programs Worksheet
- Introduction into the Personal Statement that changes EVERYTHING (2:54)
- How to Write A COMPELLING Personal Statement (30:57)
- Personal Statement Prompts (Download & use alongside the video)
- Personal Statement Template 1
- Personal Statement Template 2
- Audio Guide (Listen as you write)
- BONUS: REPLAY of LIVE Webinar from 7/7/21 (Start & Complete Your Personal Statement in One Sitting) (77:14)
- Personal Statement 2021 Q&A Session Video Replay (Bonus) (100:20)
- Introduction to writing a personal statement that invokes the desire to invite you for interview even as an IMG (6:34)
- IMG Personal Statement Quiz
- BONUS: The Personal Statement That Got Me Into Fellowship
- BONUS: Personal Statement Vault: From Our IMG Roadmap Alumni
- Did You Know?
- Appreciating the Influence of Recommendation Letters (2:43)
- Desirable Qualities for Residency Program Recommendation Letters (19:21)
- Strategies for Securing Impactful Letters to Enhance Your Application Portfolio (11:25)
- Frequently Asked Questions from International Medical Graduates (IMGs) Regarding Their Letters of Recommendation (LORs) (10:31)
- Review 3 Real-Life Sample Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Guide: Crafting Your Letter of Recommendation (LoR) Draft When Requested by Your Preceptor
- LoR Email Request
- BONUS: Crafting a Robust LOR for Review by Your Attending Physician (12:19)
- BONUS DEMO: From Generic to a Strong LOR (come edit with me) (27:36)
- Essential Components of the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) (10:25)
- Sample: My Retired Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) (2:25)
- Noteworthy Characteristics Examples
- Step by Step Guide on How to Upload an LoR (2:12)
- What to Expect In This Section (8:31)
- How To Fill Out Your ERAS Demographics/Addresses/Basic&Contact Information/Visas I (12:00)
- How To Fill Out Your ERAS Form - NRMP/Military/Hobbies & Interests/ Additional Information Section II (12:30)
- Approaching the ERAS Educational Accomplishments/Awards/Memberships Section III (19:02)
- How To Properly Fill Out Your ERAS Publication Section IV (14:38)
- How To Properly Fill Out Your ERAS Experiences Section V (19:32)
- How To Properly Fill Out Your ERAS Form VI (1:50)
- 2020 Applicant Case Study (25:45)
- How To Fill Out ERAS Form - 2020 version (60:03)
- Roadmappers List of Programs With Specialty
- Letter of Interest Template
- Email Template for Notifying about Score Availability and Indicating Interest
- Letter of Intent Template
- Introduction: The One Mistake To Avoid During Video Interviews. (0:49)
- How To Prepare For Your First Video Interview (5:42)
- Things You Should Do Before The Interview (14:05)
- What To Do During The Interview (15:46)
- Questions & Answers to Prepare For
- Virtual Interview Set Up (1:06)
- How to Approach Behavioral Questions
- Residency Interview General Orientation (59:18)
- Questions You Can Ask Your Program Director or Faculty
- Other FAQs
- Residency Interview Cheat Sheet (In Person)
- How To Practice For Your Interview 1:1 with Dr. Lum
- Bonus Replays: Sessions With IMG Roadmap Class (190:36)
- Your Residency Roadmap Orientation Plan | April 17, 2024 (147:10)
- Mindset Session: Deep Dive into the Growth Mindset & How to Adopt It on Your IMG Journey | April 21, 2024 (152:44)
- Office Hours | April 24, 2024 (137:54)
- Networking as an IMG | April 28, 2024 (219:17)
- Office Hours | May 1, 2024 (202:21)
- Creating Stress Resiliency as an IMG on the Journey to Residency | May 2, 2024 (86:35)
- Creating Articles for Your Publication Section of Your Application | May 4, 2024 (165:42)
- Being Strategic in Your Program Search to Improve Odds at Interview Invitation | May 5, 2024 (238:59)
- Office Hours | May 8, 2024 (137:56)
- The Personal Statement Strategy to Attract Your Dream Program | May 12, 2024 (152:00)
- Office Hours | May 15, 2024 (202:27)
- AMO x IMG ROADMAP Webinar: US Clinical Experiences for International Medical Students and Graduates | May 16, 2024 (77:44)
- How to Influence Your Letter Writer for Strong Letters of Recommendation | May 19, 2024 (125:57)
- Office Hours | May 22, 2024 (83:26)
- ERAS Part 1: Applying IMG Roadmap®️ Insights to Enhance Your ERAS Application | May 26, 2024 (176:44)
- Office Hours | May 29, 2024 (123:59)
- ERAS Part 2: How to Fill Out the Entire Residency Application | June 2, 2024 (137:44)
- Office Hours | June 5, 2024 (88:52)
- Office Hours | June 12, 2024 (132:28)
- Office Hours | July 10, 2024 (66:30)
- ERAS Part 2 Repeat Session: How to Fill Out the Entire Residency Application | July 24, 2024 (77:52)
- Monthly Office Hours: Residency Interview Preparation | August 22, 2024 (77:09)
- Monthly Office Hours: IMG Roadmap®️ Interview Prep | September 19, 2024 (95:37)
- Monthly Office Hours: Maneuvering Post Interview Trail: Communication/Follow-Ups | October 31, 2024 (56:45)
- Monthly Office Hours: Preparing Your ROL & Completing Interviews | December 11, 2024 (84:21)
As an IMG Roadmap®️ student, you’ll also get access to a huge library of BONUSES like…
- Email templates
- Downloadable “Cheat Sheets”
- “Swipe files” of example applications
- Networking prompts for meetings, conferences, and events
- Sponsorship/mentorship request email templates
- Personal statement vault of prior applicants
- LoR Templates
-
A copy of Dr. Lum’s audiobook, “Still MD”
Want more (even more) details? Watch the video: What is the IMG Roadmap®️ Course?
Dr. Damien Sighaka
Matched IM in 2023
“I took this course as an old IMG: 10 years post graduation and I did not do any training/residency in between. My scores were not impressive and my odds were not the best but I followed the instructions from this course and most importantly, I dared to believe with absolute confidence that I would reach my goal. This course gave me the tools and it was up to me to use them. Dr. Lum has been available whenever we were set to meet and always brought some fresh and inspiring new information on top of what was already in the course. She remained available for those who did not succeed and offered different options depending on everyone’s needs. Truly recommended!!!”
Everything you need to get ready for September…
How Dr. Lum and the IMG Roadmap®️ can help you match with your dream residency:
- THE IMG ROADMAP®️ COURSE: 6 “teaching sessions” where you’ll learn absolutely everything you need to get you ready for September!
- LIVE TEACHING SESSIONS: Available only in April and June, you have the option to join Dr. Lum for “teaching sessions” on the weekly topic, then again for mid-week “office hours” (Q&A on anything from the course).
-
1:1 COACHING: Need personalized one-on-one help? Book a coaching session with Dr. Lum and receive anything from interview help, personal statement reviews, and tips to improve your odds for a match!
“The journey to a surgical match as an IMG is quite lonesome with a lot of setbacks. The most positive aspect about the course was the mindset modules that really changed my way of thinking and approaching. Moreover, the IMG Roadmap®️ was very helpful as the course is available till the candidate matches. Additionally, Dr. Lum gives very objective and customized feedbacks with a broader perspective, which is very helpful in Interview Prep."
-Dr. Shruthi Rajkumar
Matched General Surgery
“Dr. Lum is the best coach out there especially for IMGs. She is very passionate about what she does and you can see it through the way she pushes us. You can tell it's something she is equipped for as someone who has gone through this same process and has held the hands of countless others. She tells you how it is but always leaves you with the message that it is possible. She is very patient with answering any questions/concerns we have throughout the season.
The course is very useful as it makes you prepared. Even before the ERAS season opens, roadmappers are already networking, drafting their PS, putting together a CV. It helps to reduce the uncertainty of the process at least on your part as an applicant because for each month, you know what to do. Even after the course has ended, we still have monthly live meetings. It does not get better than this."
-Dr. Miracle Eke
Matched Internal Medicine
OK, I’m really excited! How much is the investment?
Inside the IMG Roadmap®️ course, you’re getting access to:
- A full course on mindset & confidence ($1000 value)
- A full course on networking ($1000 value)
- A full course on strategically picking programs most likely to accept you ($1000 value)
- A full course on writing a standout personal statement ($1500 value)
- A full course on gathering LOR’s that produce favorable results, including an LOR portal ($1500 value)
- A full course on “personal branding” that shows you not only how to fill out every single step inside your residency applications, but also how to best represent yourself as the reliable physician you’ve worked so hard to become! ($2000 value)
Not to mention high-value bonuses and downloads worth over $2,000 like:
- Email templates
- Swipe files
- LOR templates
- Personal statement library
- And MORE!
While valued at over $10,000(!!!), you can access the IMG Roadmap®️ for a one-time payment of $297 (save $9,703 by paying all at once)
Dr. Thierry-Martial Tchiengue
Matched in FM
"I like the fact that even though it was a live course, we still have parts that were self paced. Dr. Lum is very open and shared real examples that help me connect and persevere despite adversity. I like the fact that as a learner, I was reminded of important aspects of the application to pay close attention to throughout the season even before application started until Match Day! I matched in FM despite having a low step 1 score and being an old graduate."
"I am so glad I joined this program. Being able to learn how to make myself a competitive applicant and being in a community of doctors with the same goal to match was incredibly important in empowering me through this process. I graduated 4 years ago, had 1 publication, and felt my chances were slim. As cliche as it seems, changing my mindset as Dr Lum encourages from the get-go made all the difference, and gave me the confidence to power through it!"
-Dr. Tatiana Habet
Matched Internal Medicine
Other Frequently Asked Questions:
How long will I have access to the course?
Once you enroll, every single resource inside the IMG Roadmap®️ is yours from now until the moment you match!
Can I join if I’m a first or second year medical student?
I think the perfect time to join this program is early in medical school! This allows you enough time to design the medical student career that you want, leading up to matching strategically with your dream residency down the road.
What if I’m an “Old Grad”?
Absolutely! I’ve had students who saw success even after graduating up to 13 years ago! Your age and your year of graduation shouldn’t hold you back. In fact, you can leverage your expertise and experience as an “older grad” into landing your dream residency.
Will I get personalized help with my application?
While 1:1 help is not included in the IMG Roadmap®️ course, if you feel you need one-on-one help with your application, I’ve got you covered! You can either opt to join the LIVE teaching component with office hours and weekly lessons (this only happens for six weeks in April and June), or you can learn more about 1:1 coaching with me here.
What is the success rate of this program? How do I know this will help me match?
Watch my answer to this question HERE:
This isn’t just about “matching”…this is about taking charge of the trajectory of your life.
If you hear nothing else, hear this:
It doesn’t matter how many “red flags” you have.
It doesn’t matter how old you are or how long ago you graduated.
It doesn’t matter if English is your first language or not.
If you come to this program with a willingness to leave imposter syndrome behind and step fully into your power, you can positively impact NOT ONLY your own medical career, but the health and wealth of future generations of your family.
You, my friend, are worth the investment. I’m so excited to witness your journey.