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Emergency Medicine is often described as one of the least IMG-friendly specialties.
So how did a U.S. IMG who went to medical school in Europe not only match into Emergency Medicine—but go on to design a flexible, independent career on her own terms?
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Helena, known online as @a.youngdoctors.journey, an Emergency Medicine physician currently working as a travel/locum tenens EM doctor
In this episode we talk candidly about:
Choosing medical school in Europe
The loneliness of studying for USMLEs abroad
The reality of applying to EM as an IMG
How she secured SLOEs when doors were closed
Why networking—not scores—changed everything
And how she transitioned into a 1099, location-flexible EM career after residency
This episode is for IMGs who want real talk, not sugar-coated advice.
Why going to medical school in Europe can be a strategic decision—if planned correctly
The biggest misconceptions IMGs have about match statistics
What it actually feels like to apply for U.S. residency as an IMG
How COVID disrupted U.S. clinical experience—and how to adapt
Step 1 & Step 2 scores: what mattered and what didn’t
What a SLOE is and why it’s critical for Emergency Medicine
Creative, ethical ways to secure rotations and evaluations
Why networking is the most underutilized IMG skill
Cold emailing, conferences, social media
Why Emergency Medicine doesn’t “love” IMGs—and how to work around it
The difference between W-2 and 1099 work after residency
How locum tenens allows physicians to control time, income, and lifestyle
EM is difficult for IMGs—but not impossible
Scores matter less than strategy, timing, and relationships
You must build your own mentorship if your school doesn’t provide it
Networking is not optional—it’s a skill
Rejection is often redirectiom
Get the scoop on:
NRMP Match Outcomes Data
CORD EM / SLOE resources (search: CORD Emergency Medicine SLOE)
IMG Roadmap Podcast
1099 / Locum Tenens pathways
Feel free to reach out to Dr. Helena @a.youngdoctors.journey
on Instagram, or via email at hello@ayoungdoctorsjourney.com
If you’re an IMG interested in Emergency Medicine—or any competitive specialty—this episode will change how you think about planning, networking, and owning your path.
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Interested in writing your own medical success story? We've got you covered. Here's how you can join the IMG Roadmap Community Today:
- for IMG-related questions: drlum@imgroadmap.com
- for course-related questions: admin@imgroadmap.com
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