Gratitude and Growth: My Path Back to Residency with IMS Med Team
I had the incredible opportunity to work with the IMS Med Team as a limited permit physician last year, and I can confidently say it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my medical career.
After graduating from an international medical school in 2018 and initially matching into a prestigious family medicine residency in 2019, I faced a difficult setback when I resigned in 2020—just 11 months into residency—during the emergence of COVID-19. The years that followed were challenging, as I struggled to re-enter a program. My letters of recommendation became outdated, and I had not been clinically active for several years. After five unmatched years, I was fortunate to connect with the IMS Med Team.
From day one, the team made me feel welcomed, supported, and empowered. I was initially trained by experienced providers, and once I was ready, I was placed in a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility near my home on Long Island. This thoughtful consideration spared me the burden of long commutes, which I truly appreciated.
Working in the skilled nursing setting as a limited permit physician was eye-opening. For the first time since leaving residency, I felt like a doctor again. The collaborative environment—with talented PAs, NPs, and MDs—restored my sense of purpose and allowed me to deliver meaningful patient care. I gained hands-on experience with procedures such as suturing, staple removal, and PICC line removal.
What stood out most was the unwavering support. I was always surrounded by knowledgeable providers willing to offer guidance, and we had a group chat where clinical questions and ideas were freely exchanged. As my supervisors saw my progress, they generously provided me with strong, updated letters of recommendation.
Thanks to the support and resources from the IMS Med Team, I’m proud to share that I matched into a fantastic family medicine residency program at Zucker SOM – Northwell Glen Cove Hospital. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to grow professionally and clinically in such a supportive environment.
To any physician navigating the challenging path to residency, I highly recommend the IMS Med Team. Their program offers structured guidance, hands-on experience, competitive compensation, and a dedicated team that goes above and beyond to help you succeed.
— Jonathan Sfeir, MD
Family Medicine Resident Physician
