Braving The Unknown: Challenges of International Medical Graduates

The journey to becoming a physician is challenging for anyone, but for International Medical Graduates (IMGs), the path is often filled with even more obstacles—obstacles that aren’t always visible at first glance. As an IMG myself, I know this struggle firsthand, which is why I was inspired to create an artwork that captures the essence of this journey. “Braving the Unknown: Challenges of International Medical Graduates” is a visual representation of the hopes, struggles, and perseverance that define the IMG experience.

In this blog post, I want to take you behind the scenes of this artwork—what it symbolizes, the process behind its creation, and the message it hopes to convey.

The Concept: A Journey Full of Obstacles

When my team and I at Photos by Toba first began conceptualizing the artwork, we knew we wanted to represent the IMG journey in a way that felt both personal and relatable. We all had our own experiences, our own stories of overcoming roadblocks, uncertainty, and setbacks. So, we envisioned this journey as a winding road—a path not easily navigated but one that we all travel with determination.

The truck in the artwork became a central symbol for the IMG journey. It represents our relentless drive, carrying us through the many challenges and hurdles we face on our way to becoming licensed physicians. Behind the wheel sits ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates)—the organization that holds significant influence over our path to licensure. They are the gatekeepers, guiding us through examinations, certification, and eventually the match process.

The Hidden Clouds of Doubt

Though the road is bumpy and full of twists and turns, it’s not just the physical obstacles that make the journey difficult. There are also clouds of doubt, but they aren’t always visible. In the artwork, the leaves of the trees hide these metaphorical clouds—the mental and emotional burdens that IMGs often carry in silence. 

Many of us constantly question: “Will I match?” “Will all my efforts be worth it?” These doubts, though hidden, linger over us like storm clouds. They can feel heavy, overwhelming, and at times, they may even feel insurmountable. But, like the truck that keeps moving forward despite the roadblocks, we too push ahead, determined to reach our destination.

The Obstacles: A Forest of Challenges

The towering trees in the artwork are labeled with the very real barriers IMGs face: Visa Issues, Financial Burden, Step Exams, Pre-Match Programs, Limited Clinical Experience, Discrimination, and Delays. These trees form a dense forest, symbolizing the overwhelming nature of these challenges. It can feel like you’re constantly navigating through a never-ending maze, with each tree representing yet another hurdle to overcome.

However, in the foreground, we see the IMG figure using a chainsaw to cut through a log labeled “Discrimination and Bias. This represents the active fight to break down barriers that are often systemic and deeply rooted in the medical field. It’s a reminder that while the obstacles may be daunting, we are not powerless. Through persistence, advocacy, and community support, we can cut through the most challenging barriers.

The Horizon: A Glimmer of Hope

Despite all the challenges, there’s always hope. In the distance of the artwork, the horizon symbolizes the ultimate goal for every IMG: a successful residency match. This hope is what keeps us going, even when the path feels uncertain or overwhelming. It’s the reason we endure, the reason we push ourselves, and the reason we continue to brave the unknown.

The Process: Collaboration and Execution

Creating this artwork was a collaborative effort. My team at Photos by Toba —including Dr. Tabeeka James, Dr. Priscilla Oyinlola, Dr. Ukaamaka Ogbu, Dr.John, Dr. Ope —worked closely together to bring this concept to life. Through several meetings, we shared our personal experiences as IMGs, which helped shape the final vision. I had the honor of executing the piece, and Dr. James and I presented it at the The IMG Event: Medical Humanities & Art Symposium in New York.

The process was deeply reflective. Each element of the artwork was intentional, from the trees to the log, to the truck on the winding road. Every detail was meant to evoke the complex emotions and experiences of the IMG journey—frustration, perseverance, fear, and hope.

A Message for All IMGs

While the artwork reflects my personal experiences and those of my colleagues, it’s also meant to represent the collective journey of every IMG. We all face unique challenges, but we are not alone in our struggle. The road may be difficult, but we travel it together.

The message of Braving the Unknown is simple: You are resilient. You are strong. And no matter how many obstacles stand in your way, you can overcome them. Your journey may be long, and the road may be filled with twists and turns, but the horizon of hope is always in sight.

What’s your biggest challenge as an IMG?

Feel free to share your story in the comments here. Together, we can support each other and continue to push forward, no matter how unknown the path may seem.

WRITTEN BY: Dr. Tabeeka James & Dr. Oluwatoba Olayinka