 |
The IMG Roadmap PodcastAuthor: Dr. Nina Lum
The IMG Roadmap is the only podcast dedicated to guiding International Medical Graduates (IMGs) with success blueprints for this unique pathway. This podcast offers practical tools and equips IMGs with applicable strategies to achieve their US doctor goals. I do so by bringing information from successful physicians with first hand experience to students who are still in the process of becoming resident physicians. Language: en Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
Listen Now...
149. The SOAP Survival Guide: What Every IMG Needs to Know
Episode 148
Sunday, 15 February, 2026
Quick pause!Want to stay inspired with content tailored specifically to IMG’s looking to create their medical success story? Sign up for the IMG Roadmap Newsletter so you never miss a beat!*****Match week is emotional.But SOAP is not chaos — it’s structured.In this episode, I walk you through exactly how the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) works, who is eligible, and how to prepare before match week so you are not scrambling in panic.If you are an IMG in the current cycle, this episode is mandatory listening.If you’re applying next year, this is your preparation blueprint.What I Cover in This EpisodeWhat SOAP actually is and why it existsWho qualifies for SOAPThe real reason people don’t match (hint: it’s not always credentials)IMG statistics in SOAPThe exact SOAP timeline (round-by-round breakdown)The rules you must NOT breakHow to prepare your application nowHow to build your SOAP support systemWhat to update in ERAS before match weekWhy emotional preparation matters as much as strategyCritical SOAP Timeline (Match Week)Monday (11 AM): You find out if you matchedTuesday–Wednesday: Programs review applications + interviewThursday: 4 offer roundsRound 1: 9–11 AMRound 2: 12–2 PMRound 3: 3–5 PMRound 4: 6–8 PMThursday 9 PM: SOAP endsFriday: Match DayIf you get an offer, you have 2 hours to respond.You must be ready.What You Should Be Doing NOWUpdate and polish your personal statementUpload strong LORs (you can still add new ones)Identify 5–6 support people for match weekPlan childcare/work adjustments if neededPrepare emotionallyKnow the rules (NRMP SOAP policy link below)Rules You Cannot BreakNo contacting programs outside ERASNo negotiating offersNo accepting multiple offersNo back-channelingViolations can follow you into future cycles.Recommended Episodes:Episode #54 – Dr. Emmanuel Morakinyo (SOAP Success Story) https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/54-img-roadmap-series-69-dr-emmanuel-morakinyo-internal/id1490731292?i=1000512802728Official NRMP SOAP Policieshttps://www.nrmp.org/residency-applicants/soap/SOAP is not the end of your story.Preparation beats panic.And I’m here to help you prepare.******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*****Follow us on Instagram for supportive content and download our targeted planner from our website!Subscribe to our podcast and newsletter and consider joining our program to kick start your IMG journey.As always you can click on the following links to listen to more episodes of our podcasts on Apple podcasts, Youtube Music and Spotify.
