Navigating the path to becoming a surgeon in the US as an International Medical Graduate (IMG) can definitely have its hurdles. In this episode we sit down with Professor of Surgery, Dr. Ourania Preventza about her journey as an IMG, and how to break down the barriers in one of the most competitive surgical subspecialties. Dr. Preventza teaches us why sponsorship is invaluable, and how we as a surgical community can help support this vulnerable group of providers. With years of experience to offer, both as an IMG herself, and now as a fierce advocate and mentor for trainees, this interview with Dr. Preventza is not one to miss.

References:
https://www.jtcvsopen.org/article/S2666-2736(25)00059-2/fulltext
The current landscape and challenges facing international medical graduates in cardiothoracic surgery training

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39886768/
International Medical Graduates in Academic Cardiothoracic Surgery

https://www.clinicalkey.com/#!/content/playContent/1-s2.0-S2666273625002840?returnurl=https:%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2666273625002840%3Fshowall%3Dtrue&referrer=https:%2F%2Fpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2F
A career in cardiothoracic surgery in the United States: Guidance and resources for international medical graduates

https://jtd.amegroups.org/article/view/38164/html
US women in Thoracic Surgery: Reflections on the Past and Opportunities for the Future

References:
https://www.jtcvsopen.org/article/S2666-2736(25)00059-2/fulltext
The current landscape and challenges facing international medical graduates in cardiothoracic surgery training

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39886768/
International Medical Graduates in Academic Cardiothoracic Surgery

https://jtd.amegroups.org/article/view/38164/html
US women in Thoracic Surgery: Reflections on the Past and Opportunities for the Future

Journal Review in Thoracic Surgery: Empo...