MOLA International Health Graduates (IHG) Program
Co-Chairs: Janeth Cristina Castaño, MD, Josselyn Velepucha Iniguez , MD
The International Health Graduates program, hereafter IHG, supports those seeking to practice the full potential of their international education and experience in the US.
Our mission aligns with MOLA’s strategic plan and direction to provide continued professional development opportunities through education and networking for Latinx IMGs (International Medical Graduates) and other International Graduates in healthcare disciplines. MOLA affirms the role of international graduates in improving the health status of our Latinx community in The United States and Latin America. The program was created in June 2019 by IHG leaders Dr. Miguel Carabaño and Dr. Shojanny Salazar.
‘MOLA HAS ALLOWED ME TO SEE MY STRENGTHS AND HOW TO DEVELOP THEM IN MY FAVOR: HOW TO HELP OTHERS, HELPING ME, BY OVERCOMING MY FEARS AND FOLLOWING MY DREAMS. THANKS MOLA!’
-JANETH CASTAÑO, MD
GET INVOLVED
Click on the link and fill out the short Google form with some information about you to help us get to know you better.
Meet our leaders
DR. JANETH CASTAÑO AND JOSSELYN VELEPUCHA, MD
Contact: [email protected]
Contact: [email protected]
‘Remember to help those in need behind you’
Benefits and giveaways
Test preparation support
MOLA members are eligible to receive supplemental study tools, such as UWorld and the Step 1 First Aid Book, based on merit and financial need, recognizing those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication. Detailed information and participation requirements are available on our website and social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and our WhatsApp group.
Research opportunities
As part of an initiative within the committee, a research study was conducted to analyze the needs of IMG to have a successful career within the US. This study called: Exploring barriers and challenges faced by Latinx International Medical Graduates in academic career development and research in the US: A comprehensive survey, allowed us to review the perspective of 67 IHGs from 12 countries on their challenges and needs within the medical field in the US. The barriers most commonly identified were: Lack of mentorship & unrepresented role models (40%), Collaboration & networking (19%), Institutional Support (15%), Funding & Grants (14%), and Cultural & Social Adjustment (12%).
The project was presented at the VII Annual Health Latino Symposium and gained second place in the MOLA Poster Award.
We are continuing to work on different projects, reach out to [email protected], for more information on how to get involved.
Certified Reviewers Development:
As a personal initiative and to empower the personal experience of the IMG members of MOLA, Dr. Evelyn Frias-Toral initiated the active involvement of several members of the IHG Committee as certified reviewers for prestigious journals within the medical community. This initiative aims to empower them to enhance their research profiles and establish valuable connections with colleagues, thereby advancing their careers. If you are interested please contact at [email protected]
MOLA´s representation at major events and Networking:
IHG members have been characterized by their enthusiasm, willingness to help and proactivitity
NHMA Annual Conference, Chicago 2023
IHG Track on MOLA Conference
Each year, we participate in the MOLA Conference by contributing to the educational panels and showcasing the work of our committee.
Beyond USMLE
Check out our YouTube channel, where you’ll find all of our educational webinars on USMLE exam preparation, Match preparation, SOAP, and more.