Meet Dr. Gyujeong, a first-year internal medicine resident at Mount Sinai Morningside/West Hospital in New York City. Originally from South Korea, she has an inspiring journey that spans from studying Systems Biology at Yonsei University to earning her medical degree from Kyungpook National University, and ultimately taking the bold step of pursuing a medical career in the U.S. Her story highlights resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to exploring new horizons in medicine.

Tell us a little bit about your educational experience and ultimately how you ended up coming to the U.S. to practice medicine.

After graduating from Systems Biology at Yonsei University in Korea, I was admitted to the College of Medicine at Kyungpook National University and completed my medical degree. During my fourth year of medical school, I found myself reflecting a lot on my future, especially with the ongoing medical strike in Korea, and became curious about what life in the U.S. might be like. Having lived in Korea for nearly 30 years, I was curious about life in another country and felt a desire to take on a new challenge in my life. I was also interested in experiencing the training environment and healthcare system in the U.S. So, driven by curiosity and a spirit of challenge, I decided to come to New York right after graduation to study for the USMLE. Looking back now, I realize I had no idea how difficult it would be for an international medical graduate to match or what life in the U.S. would be like, but I came to New York boldly without much knowledge. After coming here and preparing for the match for three years, I was grateful to match at the hospital I had always hoped for. Starting this year, I am working as an intern resident in the Internal Medicine department at Mount Sinai Morningside/West.

What are your future plans?

I matched into the Med/Geri track, so I will be completing three years of Internal Medicine training at Mount Sinai Morningside/West and one year of Geriatrics fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital. After completing the fellowship, I am considering specializing further in areas such as Endocrinology related to Geriatrics or studying fields like Elderly Women’s Health. Ultimately, I hope to pursue a career in academia as a geriatrician. There are numerous career paths to consider, such as working in a nursing facility, focusing on elderly patients as a hospitalist, or specializing in palliative medicine. So, I’m planning to use these next few years to evaluate my options and decide which path best suits my aptitude and interests.

What advice would you offer IMGs who are looking to apply to residency outside of their country of origin? What are some things trainees should take into consideration as they make such an important decision?

Living in a different country and adapting to a new system is never an easy decision. Above all, one must keep in mind the inevitable challenges in areas such as immigration status, language, culture, and lifestyle. Being aware of these challenges can help you overcome difficulties as they arise and stay focused on your goals. In particular, since the U.S. varies greatly by state and city, it’s crucial to determine whether the place where you plan to train and live suits you well. 

If you’ve decided to take on the challenges and become a physician in the U.S., gaining extensive experience with the U.S. healthcare system and building a strong network are essential for matching and thriving as a future physician. For instance, I came to New York without knowing anyone, but I started by working at a private clinic, gradually expanding my network, and gaining diverse experiences through observerships and research in various settings. These experiences were invaluable during residency interviews and significantly contributed to my success matching into my desired program. This process is also a vital step in becoming an integrated member of the local community. For international physicians and medical students considering the U.S., I strongly recommend coming here as early as possible—time and finances permitting—to gain diverse experiences and familiarize yourself with the system.