IMG Resources
We are a group of IMG (international medical graduate) residents/fellows/medical students/residency applicants that helps IMG healthcare professionals orient themselves in the new US environment and integrate them in their new role at the University of Minnesota (UofM).
Meet the IMG Social Group Co-Leads
Dr. Ronke Gbadebo
Ronke Gbadebo is a second-year pediatric resident who completed her medical school training in Nigeria. She completed her graduate studies at the University of Minnesota prior to starting residency. As an IMG resident, she looks forward to sharing her experiences living in Minnesota with other IMGs and helping them navigate challenges as they integrate into their new roles.
Dr. Aisha Kasali
Aisha Kasali is a first year pediatric resident at the University of Minnesota who completed medical training in Oba Okunade Sijuade College of Health Sciences, Igbinedion University in Nigeria.
Dr. Lalita Thitiseranee
Lalita Thitiseranee (Tee-ti-sae-ra-nee) is a second -year psychiatry resident who completed her medical school training in China and worked as a general practitioner for two years in Thailand before coming to the University of Minnesota. Her goals are to help provide peer support for incoming IMGs navigate cultural differences and feel connected with others while being far away from family and friends back home.
GME Visa Contact
Christy Illig
Hi, I'm Christy Illig. I'm a Human Resources Generalist in the Graduate Medical Education Office at the University of Minnesota. I'm also the designated Training Program Liaison (TPL) with ECFMG. I've held this role for almost 5 years.
I'm here to to help you navigate the J-1 visa process. Email me at gme@umn.edu.
Dean's Office HR Visa and Immigration Team
Olga Hubin, LLM, MA-HRM | Sr. HR Immigration Consultant
Kathleen Olakunle | HR Visa Specialist
Daniel Hart | HR Visa Specialist
Previous IMG Social Group Co-Leads
Steffi Masilamani, MD | Pediatrics AY 2018-2020
Tolulope Odebunmi, MD | Psychiatry AY 2018-2020
Serin Erayil, MD | Internal Medicine Infectious Disease AY 2018-2020
Irem Sonmez, MD | Psychiatry 2020-2022
Svatava Merkle, MD | Pediatrics 2020-2022