What can non-traditional IMGs do to turn the aspects that make their journey unique into their biggest assets when trying to match into residency? Newly matched Psychiatry resident Dr. Maureen Karina is here to answer your burning questions and inspire you to persist despite the odds you face!
Dr. Karina enrolled into the American University of Antigua, College of Medicine in 2013, took a break in 2014 due to financial difficulties, resumed in 2015 and graduated in 2020. Her journey deviated significantly from what is considered the norm, not only due to her gap, but also because she became a mother in her last year of medical school. Eventually, she matched into a program in California, despite the stigma that IMGs seem to face within that state. At no point did she allow the naysayers to influence her actions and she did whatever was necessary to achieve the position of her dreams. Throughout all the challenges she faced along her path, Dr. Karina never gave up, and her story is truly one of determination and perseverance. As such, she gives the following advice to non-traditional IMGs:

Own your story - At first, Dr. Karina was concerned that revealing that she had a family of her own would negatively influence her chances of matching, since it may imply that she would be less "dedicated" than single applicants. However, she states that this fact only served to humanize her in the eyes of the program coordinators. Be transparent into what makes you, you, and others will see your vision!
Realize that challenges are a part of life - Life happens to a lot of us. Program coordinators want to see that despite whatever was thrown at you, you had the ability to rise and be stronger as a result. 
Rejection is a part of life - Throughout life you will not always be accepted, but that doesn't mean that you should never allow yourself to step out of your comfort zone, actively network, and build connections with the relevant people in your field. Success requires discomfort!

And to inspire us all, Dr. Karina left the following inspirational nuggets:

Do your best to stand out. Especially when applying its important to show how you are different than the rest. 
Delay is not denial. Your journey may take longer, but it doesn't mean that your destination is not within reach. 
When one door is shut in your face, climb through the window! Sometimes, you just need to take initiative and create the opportunities that you deserve. 
Never let life's difficulties dull your passion and hope. 

You can reach out to Dr. Karina via Instagram @moekagz and at maureen.karina@icloud.com.
Listen to the full episode at:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/71-imgroadmap-series-79-dr-maureen-karina-psychiatry/id1490731292?i=1000524323746
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2i9cviqzDyZpQ1rBHRpuan
Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9mOGMzY2EwL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz/episode/YjgyYWNkNmEtNmRlOC00NjllLTg2MGEtMzcxM2JmY2FmZmNl?sa=X&ved=0CA0QkfYCahcKEwjo25nlp7TxAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ



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