Registration is now open for the AMA's Distinguish Yourself IMG Summit in Chicago, taking place Wednesday, Aug. 26 and Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026. This special event will feature IMG-specific education sessions on leadership, research, advocacy and preparing for the Match as an IMG.
Registration includes an evening networking reception and free professional headshots. Space is limited.
Programming is designed for ECFMG certified IMGs awaiting to Match. All physicians are welcome to attend.
Registration
Registration pricing
- ECFMG-Certified IMG Awaiting Residency or Resident—AMA Member: $125
- ECFMG-Certified IMG Awaiting Residency or Resident—Non-Member: $175
- Physician—AMA Member: $195
- Physician—Non-Member: $245
Questions? Please contact Paul Wells [email protected].
Preliminary agenda
All sessions and times are subject to changes. All times are Central.
Wednesday, Aug. 26
5-7 p.m.—Welcome reception
- Networking reception featuring hearty appetizers, beer and wine
- Complimentary professional headshots
Thursday, Aug. 27
8-9 a.m.—Registration & networking breakfast
9-9:15 a.m.—Opening keynote address
9:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.—Core programming
- Navigating the Match: Navigating the U.S. residency match process as an IMG, with a special focus on how to distinguish yourself and leverage AMA resources like FREIDA™ to simplify your residency search.
- Anatomy of a Standout CV: How to highlight your international experience, clinical skills, and research achievements in a way that resonates with U.S. residency programs. Attendees will also learn how to make their CVs stand out by presenting their work at national platforms like the AMA Research Challenge for a chance to win $10,000.
- Present Like a Leader: Strategies for effective communication and interview preparation that set International Medical Graduates apart, with a focus on leadership skills that will help you advocate for the issues you're passionate about.
- Road to Research: Opportunities and pathways for IMGs to get involved in U.S.-based research. Learn how contributing to the research community can strengthen your residency application and your role within the broader medical community.
- Navigating H-1B and J1: In the 2025 academic year, over 3,000 IMG physicians from over 100 countries were offered visas to facilitate residency training in different specialties. Different visas have different requirements. Learn which might be best for your situation.
12:30-1:30 p.m.—Mentorship luncheon
- Boxed lunches available
- Complimentary professional headshots
1:30-3:20 p.m.—Breakout sessions
- AI as a Tool: Practical Applications for the Residency Journey: This session will provide a hands-on look at how IMGs can integrate AI into their residency preparation. From optimizing CV language and personal statements to simulating interview scenarios and organizing research, attendees will explore high-impact, practical applications of AI.
- From Match to Money: Financial Literacy for IMGs: This session equips IMGs with the foundational financial knowledge needed to navigate their transition into U.S. residency and early practice. From understanding compensation structures to managing debt, taxes, and savings, attendees will gain practical guidance to make informed financial decisions early in their careers.
- AMA Advocacy Roundtable: An interactive roundtable bringing together IMGS leaders and AMA advocacy representatives to discuss the key policy and advocacy issues impacting IMGs today. This session will provide attendees with a clear understanding of how AMA policy is created and how IMGs can actively participate in shaping the future of medicine in the U.S.
3:30-4 p.m.—Closing remarks
Featured speakers
Bobby Mukkamala, MD
As the immediate past president of the American Medical Association, Bobby Mukkamala, MD, a board-certified otolaryngologist—head and neck surgeon, remains deeply committed to improving our healthcare system by working on prevention of disease. Dr. Mukkamala, who is also board certified in lifestyle medicine, is a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School. He is in solo, private practice in Flint, Michigan.
Zain Abdin, MD
Dr. Abdin is a family medicine physician influencer and entrepreneur who completed his residency training at the Sinai/JPH Program in Chicago. He is the immediate past chair of the Illinois State Medical Society Resident and Fellow Section Governing Council, founder and CEO of IMG Helping Hands, and the PhysiciansFame Podcast. Through IMG Helping Hands, serving members from over 100 countries, he is dedicated to elevating the starting point of physicians in their careers and addressing the physician shortage in the United States. He is also the pioneer of Foxelin, an athletic wear house. With the goal of elevating the glamorous side of medicine, strengthening physician-patient relationships, and improving education, lives, and the environment.
Ricardo Correa, MD, EdD
Dr. Correa is past chair, International Medical Graduates Section (IMGS) Governing Council; member of the Council on Medical Education; program director for endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism fellowship, director for Health Equity Center at the Cleveland Clinic; and AMA Research Challenge advisor.
Saby Karuppiah, MD, MPH
Dr. Karuppiah is a seasoned medical education leader. A former family medicine and transitional year program director, he went on to serve as DIO and vice president of GME for the largest graduate medical education provider in the country. He currently serves as a DIO for Mercy Health. Dr. Karuppiah serves on the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Board of Directors and its Residency Task Force, where he helps shape the future of family medicine training nationwide.
Graham McMahon, MD
Dr. McMahon is the president and CEO of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME®), that accredits over 1,500 continuing medical education (CME) providers in the U.S. and internationally. He serves as adjunct professor of medicine and medical education at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, where he teaches medical students and fellows, and leads the diabetes program and cares for patients with endocrine disorders at Howard Brown Health in Chicago.
Alexis Pierce, JD
Alexis Pierce is the senior director of the Division of Legislative Counsel (DLC) at the American Medical Association (AMA). Within this role she provides legal counsel and advocacy guidance to help advance the AMA’s priorities concerning its physician members across the federal government. She has a diverse portfolio that spans multiple areas of health law and policy including immigration, international medical graduate issues, physician workforce issues, graduate medical education, and more. As a result, Pierce works with a variety of interested parties across the federal government including the Department of Health and Human Services, and with members of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Michael Jerkins, MD
Dr. Jerkins is the president and co-founder of Panacea Financial and is also a practicing physician in Little Rock, Arkansas. After earning his BBA in Economics, he deferred his medical school acceptance to teach middle school science in the Phoenix, Arizona, area while also earning his Masters in Education from Arizona State University. He then completed medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center before finishing residency at University of Cincinnati Medical Center and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. He hosts The Podcast For Doctors (by Doctors) and speaks nationally educating doctors on the intersection of practice and finance.
Hotel & travel
Discount rates for AMA members are available at nearby hotels. Please note that these rates apply only to individual hotel reservations, based on availability, and may not be offered on all dates.
The Royal Sonesta Downtown
71 E. Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60601
15% discount off the Best Available Rate (excluding $28 destination fee added to each reservation). Reservations can be made by calling Sonesta at 800-766-3782 and asking for the American Medical Association corporate rate or online using corporate/promo code AMED.
The Hyatt Regency Chicago
151 E. Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60601
15% discount off the Best Available Rate. Reservations can be made online using corporate/group code 43261.
The Langham Chicago
AMA Plaza, Floors 1-12
330 N. Wabash Avenue
$390 rates for a deluxe room. Reservations can be made by calling the Langham at 312-923-9988 and asking for the American Medical Association rate or online using corporate/promotion code 10253.
Hertz car rental
AMA members can enjoy everyday savings up to 25% on Hertz car rental base rates. Choose from luxury sedans, sports cars, SUVs, trucks, vans and more at participating locations worldwide. Plug, benefit from day one when you join Hertz Gold Plus Rewards®. Learn more.
