







Introduction
The Road to Residency Program, organized by the Sudanese American Medical Association (SAMA), aimed to mentor staff, interns, volunteers, and Dr. Bushra Ibnauf Scholarship winners in securing residency positions in the U.S. The program provided structured guidance on the residency application process through expert-led sessions.
Target Audience
The program was designed for:
- SAMA staff
- Interns
- Volunteers
- Dr. Bushra Ibnauf Scholarship winners
Sessions Overview
- Biweekly sessions held on Saturdays or Sundays at 2:00 PM Central Time.
- Start date: March 16, 2024
- Format: Optional PowerPoint presentations with interactive Q&A sessions.
Session Topics & Schedule
Topics included:
- Understanding the residency season
- Improving residency chances through research, electives, and observerships
- Writing CVs and personal statements
- Interview process and strategies
- What to do if unmatched
- Application process and certification
LinkedIn Articles
Weekly LinkedIn articles summarized key takeaways for those unable to attend sessions.
The program featured experienced medical professionals, including rheumatologists, neurologists, gastroenterologists, and internal medicine residents.
Feedback from Learners
- 91% rated sessions as excellent or very good.
- Positive feedback:
- Helped participants understand how to write a precise CV.
- Provided insights into program directors’ perspectives.
- Encouraged a personal branding approach.
- Delivered practical strategies for interviews and the match process.
- Areas for improvement:
- More structured presentations.
- More practical examples and navigation tips.
- More time for Q&A.
- Better alignment with the residency application timeline.
Outcome
- All SAMA community members who applied for the 2025 cycle successfully matched into residency (3 applicants).
Conclusion
The program was highly successful, equipping participants with crucial knowledge and mentorship to enhance their applications. The positive outcomes underscore the program’s impact, and suggested improvements will be integrated into future iterations.
This initiative demonstrates SAMA’s commitment to professional development and the importance of continuous mentorship in achieving medical career goals.
Faculty






PGY2, Internal Medicine
Rochester General Hospital
Rochester, NY


Dr. Ahmed Ahmed
PGY2, Internal Medicine
Unity hospital
Rochester, NY

Dr. Mahmoud Elamin
PGY2, Internal Medicine
University at Buffalo
NY, USA
Road to Residency Sessions Playlist
Additional Reading
International Medical Graduates (IMG) toolkit: Introduction