Message from the SOIMG Chair

Dear SOIMG Members,

Welcome to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) Section on International Medical Graduates (SOIMG)!

Since its inception in 2018, SOIMG has continued to grow, and to date has over 2,000 members. Our goal has been and remains to be the voice for all International Medical Graduates (IMGs), to highlight their contributions in the workforce and to advocate for causes important to them.

The overarching aim of the section is to keep the membership engaged, find collaboration with other Sections, and align with their goals and objectives to benefit the IMG workforce. Our Section’s activities have included a yearly educational program at the AAP National Conference & Exhibition (NCE), which addresses concerns specific to the SOIMG membership, including topics encompassing but not limited to prejudice, stereotyping/discrimination, burnout, and IMG career development from training to employment in private practice, research and academia.

In 2021-22, we conducted a survey of our members that provided some insight into their needs. We plan to do similar surveys to continue to be in touch with the pulse of our members. Starting in 2023, we introduced a travel scholarship for practicing physicians to attend AAP NCE, and in 2024, a travel scholarship for trainee members was added. With these scholarships, the Section would like to support IMG practitioners and trainees and provide them with a platform to share their work during NCE.

We have worked in collaboration with the Section of Pediatric Trainees to support webinars for residency application process, especially for IMG candidates, which provide helpful hints for the benefit of new IMG applicants. We are also embarking on a webinar series for our trainee members and early career physicians to achieve their goals, such as successful residency/fellowship application and match; career choices for new graduates and understanding of the pathways for future growth and accomplishments to enhance their trajectory.  

SOIMG leadership is also engaged with AAP on advocacy for IMG physicians by bringing resolutions in support of issues that are at the core of IMG physicians’ career paths, such as J1 visa issues, etc.

The Section on International Medical Graduates is only as strong as its participating members; we welcome your suggestions, feedback, participation, and support for the growth of the Section.  You can contact us at soimg@aap.org.