Book Release

Immigrant Doctors

Chasing The Big American Dream by Dr. Satheesh Kathula. The untold stories behind America’s healthcare heroes

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Chapter Highlights

  • CHAPTER 1: Landing in the Windy City: My Beginnings to be a Doctor in the U.S.
  • CHAPTER 2: History of IMG Migration: How it all Started
  • CHAPTER 3: IMGs Contribution to the US healthcare system: Worth Noting.
  • CHAPTER 4: Exams: Necessary Evil.
  • CHAPTER 5: Cultural Shock: Traversing the Transition from India to the United States
  • CHAPTER 6: Surviving the Waiting Game: Life Before Residency
  • CHAPTER 7: The Residency Grind: From Sleepless Nights to a Skilled Physicians (Including the VA Experience)
  • CHAPTER 8: Learning in a New Environment: Challenges with Language, Accent and Cultural Differences
  • CHAPTER 9: EXPLORING THE U.S. EDUCATION SYSTEM - Learning as a Parent.
  • CHAPTER 10: Narratives of Doctors from Egypt and Philippines
  • CHAPTER 11: Dreams vs. Reality: The Specialties IMGs Settle for vs. The Ones They Want
  • CHAPTER 12: The Long Road to America: Indian Doctors Navigating Global Pathways to the U.S.
  • CHAPTER 13: The Journey of Doctors from the African Continent.
  • CHAPTER 14: Skilled but Sidelined- The Silent Struggles
  • CHAPTER 15: Women IMGs: Strength, Sacrifice, and Success in Medicine
  • CHAPTER 16: Bridging Cultures, Healing Lives: The Acculturation Challenges of IMGs in the U.S
  • CHAPTER 17: A Doctor are Doctors… Or Are They? Comparing IMG & U.S. Grad Outcomes
  • CHAPTER 18: IMG Dreamers: From Aspirations to Achievements
  • CHAPTER 19: Is the Grass Greener on the Other Side? The IMG’s Dilemma
  • CHAPTER 20: Who Adopted More… The IMGs or the U.S?
  • CHAPTER 21: The Immigration Maze: Visa Challenges for Foreign Doctors
  • CHAPTER 22: Physician Shortage Crisis in the U.S. and the Critical Role of International Medical Graduates: A Call to Action
  • CHAPTER 23: Supporting IMGs: How Organizations Can Advocate

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my parents and to the parents of fellow doctors, who made profound sacrifices, fully aware of the distances that would separate us. Their selflessness laid the foundation for our success, as they imbued within us the courage to pursue our dreams, no matter how far from home they launched us.

Dr. Satheesh Kathula
MD, FACP, Dip ABLM
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A Word From The Author

Immigrant Doctors: Chasing the Big American Dream

Immigrant Doctors: Chasing the Big American Dream chronicles the inspiring journeys of physicians from diverse backgrounds, born and educated in different corners of the world, who ventured to the United States in pursuit of the iconic American Dream. At the heart of their stories is a common thread-arriving with little more than ambition, determination, and the relentless drive to succeed. These doctors overcame extraordinary challenges, from navigating the complexities of foreign education systems to adjusting to new cultures and battling societal stereotypes.

While many are familiar with the success stories of those who
“made it,” few understand the sacrifices and hardships faced along the way. This book is a heartfelt tribute to their courage in leaving home, the resilience required to build new lives from scratch, and their unwavering commitment to the medical profession. It celebrates the collective journey of immigrant doctors-demonstrating that the American Dream is not just a destination, but a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

About the Author

Dr. Satheesh Kathula, who emigrated from a small town in India to the USA thirty years ago with little more than a dream and no money in his pocket, is a board-certified hematologist and oncologist, as well as a clinical professor of medicine. He currently serves as the President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), the largest ethnic physician organization in the United States. Dr. Kathula is also the founding chair of a pharmacy college in India, where over 1,000 pharmacists have graduated and are now employed globally. He is the recipient of numerous accolades, including the Hind Rattan Award, the Man of the Year Award from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the prestigious US Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.

Preface

I landed in the United States over three decades ago, as an international medical graduate (IMG), carrying with me the substantial aspiration of becoming a physician in this land of opportunity. However, I soon realized that the journey was more challenging than I had imagined. Coming from a remote place in India, I faced cultural shifts, language barriers, and the daunting process of integrating into a completely different healthcare system. The path was filled with sacrifices and perseverance, but along the way, I had the privilege of meeting and interacting with countless other doctors who shared similar backgrounds.

Through these interactions, I came to understand that while the world may see the successful careers of International Medical Graduates (IMGs), few truly recognize the hardships they endure to achieve that success. The challenges are not just professional, but deeply personal—navigating new environments, overcoming linguistic and cultural barriers, and dealing with the pain of separation from loved ones. Despite these obstacles, these physicians have not only survived but flourished, making invaluable contributions to healthcare across the United States.

Foreword

Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, President Elect, American Medical Association

The pursuit of the American Dream has long been a defining narrative for immigrants who arrive on U.S. soil with aspirations of a better future. For thousands of International Medical Graduates, this dream is intertwined with the relentless pursuit of excellence in medicine, the resilience to overcome bureaucratic hurdles, and the unwavering commitment to serve patients in a new land. “Immigrant Doctors: Chasing the Big American Dream” is a testament to their journey—an exploration of their struggles, successes, and the sacrifices made along the way.

Testimonials

“Immigrant Doctors: Chasing the Big American Dream” is a compelling and essential contribution that vividly captures the journey of international medical graduates (IMGs) navigating the challenging yet rewarding path to practicing medicine in the United States. As an immigrant doctor from India and the author of two best-selling books on healthcare and policy, I deeply resonate with Dr. Satheesh Kathula’s powerful compilation of personal narratives.

Dr. Kathula eloquently presents the resilience, courage, and unwavering dedication of IMGs, highlighting their significant yet often understated contributions to American healthcare. The detailed accounts of cultural assimilation, professional hurdles, and immigration barriers provide an authentic insight into the transformative experiences faced by immigrant physicians.

This book is more than just a collection of inspiring stories; it provides a critical reflection on the systemic issues that immigrant doctors face, offering valuable perspectives for healthcare leaders, policymakers, and medical educators. It highlights the vital role IMGs play in addressing physician shortages and delivering quality patient care nationwide. I wholeheartedly recommend “Immigrant Doctors: Chasing the Big American Dream” not only to fellow IMGs but to anyone who seeks to understand and appreciate the profound impact of immigrant physicians in shaping the future of healthcare in America.

Dr. Joseph M. Chalil

Best Selling Author and Physician Executive, USA

Dr. Satheesh Kathula captures the untold stories behind the white coats—the sacrifices made, the families left behind, the cultural and linguistic hurdles scaled, and the strength found in adversity.

Each chapter is a testament to the human spirit and professional dedication of IMGs, who play a pivotal role in sustaining our healthcare system, especially in underserved communities. With rich narratives and a compassionate lens, this book not only illuminates the path of those who dared to dream beyond borders but also challenges our nation to recognize, support, and value their indispensable contributions.

Dr. Kathula has created a work that speaks to physicians, policymakers, and the public, inviting empathy, understanding, and action. His voice, shaped by lived
experience and advocacy, brings authenticity and urgency to the ongoing dialogue about healthcare equity and immigration reform. I recommend this book to anyone who seeks to understand the real cost—and remarkable value—of the global journey behind many of the doctors we entrust with our lives.

Parag Mehta M.D. MACP

Chairman, Dept. of Medicine, Long Island Community Hospital, President Medical Society of State of New York (MSSNY) 2022-2023
Delegate: MSSNY to American Medical Association Governor Class of 2022 New York, American College of Physicians: Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island

My friend and colleague Dr. Satheesh Kathula has penned a timely and overdue book on the roles and benefits that immigrant physicians play in our health care system. Having practiced medicine for over 25 years alongside many physicians who have left their home countries to practice medicine in the United States, I have come to respect thenvalue and necessity these doctors bring to patient care. Manynimmigrant physicians have had to repeat residency and/or fellowship training when arriving in the states—not an easy feat after leaving family and moving to a new culture! This shows the determination and strength that immigrant physicians display. I have come to know Dr. Kathula quite well over the years, and he personifies“what it takes” to be a hard-working, respected and knowledgeable physician in our community, as well as his home country of India. I have come to know numerous physicians from various countries and cultures during my career, which has broadened by horizons culturally, socially, and scientifically, which has made me a better physician. I have spent countless hours in the hospital or office discussing tough cases, eating lunch, and just chatting and getting to know these doctors in a personal way. If fact, I am honored to call Dr. Kathula, as well as many of these dedicated docs my friends.

Mark A. Marinella, MD, FACP

Board certified Medical Oncology/Internal Medicine Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, Wright State University School of Medicine Metronomic Phytonutrition: How daily, regular intake of plant-based foods may decrease cancer risk.

Having had the blessing of working alongside Dr. Kathula as an advanced practice nurse for many years, I can personally attest to his genuine heart for healing and his tireless efforts to improve the world — both within traditional healthcare settings and through broader communitysupport initiatives. Through this work, I was welcomed into a vibrant community of IMGs and discovered an inspiring dedication to common goals of care, connection, and service.
This book opened my eyes to struggles my colleagues face that I had not fully understood. Dr. Kathula offers valuable, external perspectives on both the strengths and shortcomings of the United States and our healthcare system. His reflections encourage honest assessment and spark hope for meaningful change. Together, we have the power not only to improve the lives of our patients and their families today but also to create lasting, positive impact for generations to come.
This is more than a collection of stories; it’s a call to empathy, action, and lasting change.

Dr. Beth Delaney

DNP, CNS, FNP-BC, OCN, ACHPN

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