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In this powerful episode of the IMG Roadmap Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Ramirez, a physician from Medellín, Colombia, who matched into dermatology at Stanford University. In a specialty that is often labeled “impossible” for IMGs, Dr. Ramirez’s story is a reminder that strategy, research, persistence, and the right mentorship can open doors many people assume are closed.
We talk through what it actually took for her to stand out, from building a strong dermatology-focused CV to securing a paid postdoctoral research position, networking intentionally, and navigating the U.S. application process as a visa-requiring IMG.
This episode is especially important for IMGs aiming for competitive specialties and wondering whether their dream is too far out of reach.
In this episode, we discuss:
How Dr. Ramirez matched dermatology as an IMG
Why a postdoctoral research position made such a big difference
How she found research opportunities through cold emailing, conferences, and social media
The role research, mentorship, and networking played in her application
Her Step 1 and Step 2 performance and what scores matter in dermatology
How she used observerships and U.S. clinical exposure strategically
Why prior connection to programs matters so much in competitive specialties
What IMGs should know before pursuing dermatology
The mindset shift needed to go after a dream people keep calling impossible
About Dr. Ramirez
Dr. Ramirez is a Colombian physician and postdoctoral scholar whose work focuses on dermatology, AI, digital health, and healthcare equity. She recently matched into dermatology at Stanford University after completing a research-heavy postdoctoral experience in the U.S.
If you’ve ever wondered whether matching into dermatology as an IMG is truly possible, this is the episode you need to hear.
Handy Links:
Dr. Ramirez’ Instagram, @marianaramirez.md
Dr. Ramirez’ Linkedin, Dr. Mariana Ramirez Posada
IMG Live webinar on drninalum.com
Sign up for the IMG Roadmap Course
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Interested in writing your own medical success story? We've got you covered. Here's how you can join the IMG Roadmap Community Today:
- for IMG-related questions: drlum@imgroadmap.com
- for course-related questions: admin@imgroadmap.com
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