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The UCLA International Medical Graduate (IMG) Program is the first and only one of its kind in the nation: a pre-residency training program for U.S. citizens and permanent residents who received their medical educations from schools throughout Latin America, and who are fully fluent in both Spanish and English. The program prepares these IMG scholars with an intensive, standardized course of professional instruction and clinical clerkships to pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE) and compete successfully for Family Medicine residency programs in California.
The UCLA International Medical Graduate Program aims to address the critical shortage of primary care physicians and culturally competent health care in California.
The Spanish-speaking population in California vastly outnumbers the population of Spanish-speaking physicians. Without bilingual and bi-cultural health care, patients often face the challenge of trying to accurately describe their medical conditions to a non-Spanish-speaking physician, which can result in ineffective care and inaccurate diagnoses.
IMG graduates – 100% of whom speak Spanish and 98% of whom are from Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America—provide a level of understanding that other doctors often cannot, given cultural nuances and the immigrant experience. Upon completion of their Family Medicine residencies, IMGs will serve for an additional 2-to-3 years in medically under-resourced communities in California. To date, over 120 IMGs have matched with family health facilities throughout California.
The paramount objective of the UCLA International Medical Graduate Program is to increase the number of well-trained Family Medicine physicians practicing in California’s under-resourced rural communities, with the cultural backgrounds and bilingual skills to meet the needs of the patients they serve.
The UCLA IMG Program relies on donations to support our physicians’ paths to achieving U.S. licensure, including educational supplies, test preparation, and travel to residency interviews. As a partner in our mission, your generosity propels us one step closer to providing cost-effective, accessible, and high-quality medical care for all.
Here's how YOU can make a difference:
IMGs volunteer at health fairs throughout the year. Your $20 gift helps support the medical supplies they bring into the community.
Preparation is key. Your $50 gift covers one online self-assessment exam from the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).
IMGs undergo a rigorous curriculum. Your $100 gift supports the books and test prep materials they need to be successful.
IMGs are dedicated to transforming the patient experience. Your $250 gift supports training courses in professional skills coaching, English for health professionals, and medical practice management.
Matching into a residency program is the pinnacle of the IMG program. Your $500 gift helps IMGs on their road to success by supporting the costs of residency applications and travel to interviews.
IMGs must complete the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Your $1000 gift covers the cost of one exam in the three-part series.