SHM’s International Medical Graduates (IMG) Special Interest Group (SIG) was formed out of a simple realization: although IMGs are essential to hospital medicine, many of these graduates navigate their challenges quietly and individually, said Amy Yu, MD, MS, who chairs the SIG. Dr. Yu is a hospitalist in the collaborative internal medicine service, director of the hospital medicine observership program, and an assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, an academic hospital with more than 400 beds in Baltimore.
Dr. Yu
The idea for the IMG SIG emerged from conversations with IMG colleagues across a variety of training levels and practice settings. Some were residents preparing for interviews, others were early-career hospitalists trying to find their footing, and still others were experienced clinicians wondering how to move into leadership roles.
“Many IMGs expressed uncertainty around career advancement, limited access to mentorship, and a lack of spaces to discuss IMG-specific questions,” Dr. Yu said.
Founded in 2024, an early goal of the SIG was to create opportunities for honest discussions about IMGs’ experiences in hospital medicine.
That approach shaped the online presentation, “Challenges and Opportunities for IMGs in Hospital Medicine,” which focused on common themes including adapting to U.S. clinical culture, communication differences, imposter syndrome, and visa-related stress.
Rather than framing these topics as individual shortcomings, the discussion centered on shared experiences and lessons learned. “Participants talked openly about what helped them succeed, mentorship, peer support, and understanding how systems actually worked,” Dr. Yu said. “The strong interest in this session reinforced the value of acknowledging challenges and discussing them in a constructive, solution-focused way.”
The IMG SIG also aims to support diversity and inclusion within hospital medicine. “IMGs bring perspectives shaped by different healthcare systems, cultures, and training environments; those perspectives add value to patient care and team dynamics,” Dr. Yu said.
The SIG’s specific efforts in this area have focused on visibility and participation. By creating IMG-centered programming within SHM, the group helps ensure that IMG voices are part of broader professional conversations.
“For many members, seeing their experiences reflected within SHM spaces has helped to reinforce a sense of belonging and professional legitimacy,” Dr. Yu said.
Another goal is to prioritize programming that addresses real, time-sensitive needs. For example, an online session offered practical guidance to IMGs on how to prepare for residency interviews. Drawing on experiences from IMGs who have already completed this process, the session provided tips on communication strategies and how to handle common challenges.
Dr. Yu noted that a focus on actionable content reflects the SIG’s broader philosophy: support should be useful, timely, and grounded in lived experiences. “Whether someone is preparing for residency, transitioning into independent practice, or exploring leadership opportunities, we aim to offer resources that feel immediately applicable,” Dr. Yu said.
As a newer SIG, the IMG group has experienced both momentum and growing pains. “One advantage of being new is having flexibility, the ability to respond quickly to members’ interests, and being able to shape programming organically,” Dr. Yu said. “The SIG has approached growth deliberately, prioritizing relevance and trust over rapid expansion. That foundation has been important in establishing credibility and maintaining members’ interest.”
Interaction rather than formality has driven engagement within the IMG SIG. “Sessions are designed to encourage conversation, shared reflection, and peer learning,” Dr. Yu said. “This format has helped to foster a sense of community, particularly for members who don’t have many IMG colleagues at their institutions.”
Many participants have stated that connecting with others who understand the IMG journey has been very beneficial. “These connections often extend beyond formal events and lead to informal mentorship and ongoing collaboration,” Dr. Yu said.
Networking within the IMG SIG develops naturally through shared discussions and experiences. “By bringing together IMGs from different backgrounds, regions, and career stages, the group creates learning opportunities that are difficult to replicate in more traditional settings,” Dr. Yu said.
Professional development is woven into many of the group’s activities, with conversations frequently touching on leadership pathways, career transitions, and navigating institutional systems. The SIG also helps connect members to broader SHM initiatives, reinforcing the idea that IMGs belong at every level of an organization.
In the coming year, the IMG SIG plans to continue offering educational sessions and forums that reflect its members’ needs. Future initiatives may include leadership development discussions, wellness-focused programming, and additional resources for trainees and early-career hospitalists.
At its core, the IMG SIG exists to help IMG physicians thrive in hospital medicine. “By creating space for connection, learning, and professional growth, the group contributes to a stronger and more inclusive field, one where IMGs are recognized not only for their presence, but also for their leadership and impact,” Dr. Yu concluded.
Karen Appold is an award-winning journalist based in Lehigh Valley, Pa.