A note from the IMGS chair
November 2025
From IMGS Chair Roopa Naik, MD
IMG Recognition Week
The AMA International Medical Graduates (IMG) Section proudly celebrated IMG Recognition Week from Oct. 20–24, honoring the vital contributions IMGs make to America’s health care system. This year, we recognized two exceptional IMG mentors—Tolulope Odebunmi, MBBS, MPH, and Victor Sebastian Arrurana, MD—for their dedication to guiding the next generation of physicians.
We also hosted a dynamic webinar, “Navigating IMG Journeys: From Training to Leadership,” featuring a diverse panel including Jayesh Shah, MD, Luis Isea, MD, and Shivani Mehta, who shared valuable insights on advancing from training into leadership roles. IMGs continue to strengthen the U.S. physician workforce, enrich patient care with global and cultural perspectives, and lead in communities across the nation. As we look ahead, we turn to the AMA Interim Meeting to continue advocating for our patients and the physicians who care for them.
IMGS strategic plan focus: Leadership development
One of the core goals of our section is to strengthen leadership development among IMG physicians. Although one in four physicians in the U.S. is an IMG, IMG representation in leadership roles remains disproportionately low. To address this gap, the IMGS Governing Council is establishing a committee tasked with creating a structured curriculum and educational offerings to help IMG physicians build, refine and advance their leadership skills. These resources will be available to all members as we work to empower IMGs to lead confidently within their institutions, communities and the broader health care system.
Member spotlight: Lucía de Gregorio Muñiz, MD
Dr. Lucía de Gregorio Muñiz, MD, earned her medical degree from Universidad Complutense of Madrid and completed her general surgery residency at Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro in Spain. She further enhanced her expertise through observerships at Ryder Trauma Center and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she completed a research fellowship in surgical oncology. Additionally, Dr. De Gregorio received advanced training in abdominal organ transplantation at the Ochsner Multi-Organ Transplant Institute.
With experience as a staff surgeon in Spain and the UK, she specializes in upper gastrointestinal laparoscopic procedures and holds certification in Da Vinci® robotic surgery for nephrectomies and kidney transplants.
Since joining Loyola University Medical Center in 2022, Dr. De Gregorio has performed liver, kidney and pancreas transplants while directing the Transplant Metabolic Clinic. Her research centers on transplant outcomes, quality of life and public health. She is also an experienced educator, having lectured and instructed surgical trainees in both the U.S. and Spain.
Dr. De Gregorio is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and the AMA, where she was elected to the IMGS Governing Council in 2025. She is deeply committed to supporting IMGs within the U.S. health care system.
Contact us
If you have concerns or issues, or to become more involved with the section, please reach out at [email protected].
