IMSA Medical Scholars Award

Support IMSA USA’s mission by making a donation to fund educational programs, mentorship initiatives, and humanitarian efforts for the Iraqi medical community.

IMSA Medical Scholars Award

Overview

The IMSA Medical Scholars Award is a merit-based financial grant and mentorship program created to support outstanding Iraqi medical graduates pursuing graduate medical education in the United States. The award helps reduce financial barriers and fosters a network of mentorship and professional development.

Grant funds are to be used solely for ERAS application fees and will not cover exam fees or other unrelated costs.

The grant is funded by donations from established Iraqi physicians who believe in this mission and contribute toward supporting future generations.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

Be of Iraqi origin
Be legally present in the United States with a valid U.S. address and U.S. bank account
Be ECFMG certified
Be applying to residency in the upcoming Match cycle
Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to community service

How to Apply

Email the following as one combined PDF attachment to rusul.imsa.director@gmail.com

ERAS CV
Residency Personal Statement
ECFMG Certificate
USMLE Score Report for Step 1 and Step 2 (must be first attempt on both)
A short statement (max 250 words) including the following:
- Why you believe this grant would help you
- How many programs you are applying to
- Which specialty you are applying to
- Whether this is your first time applying to residency

Application Deadline: September 1, 2025

Applications will be reviewed by the IMSA Grants & Mentorship Committee. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a virtual interview.

Note: Selected awardees must consent to publicly sharing their name, medical school, and match result on the IMSA website and social media.

2024 Grant Recipients

Hassan Alshaker, MD
An Iraqi graduate of Aleppo University (Class of 2021). He matched into Internal Medicine at Allegheny General Hospital in Pennsylvania.

Mohammed Abed, MD, MPH
A graduate of the University of Anbar, Iraq (Class of 2013), and the University of North Dakota (Class of 2024). He matched into Internal Medicine at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Florida.

Testimonials

“This award didn’t just offset the cost of my application into residency training, it connected me to an amazing group of mentors who guided me and taught me how to fight for my future. Now, I’m taking their lessons so I can one day open doors for others like you opened them for me.”

Mohammed Abed, MD, MPH Designation

“Moving to the USA for the first time as an IMG, I faced a number of challenges. The guidance I received from IMSA was invaluable in navigating the complexities of applying for US residency, providing me with expert advice every step of the way. On top of that, the IMSA award helped cover match-related expenses, which can be a significant barrier for international students like myself. It was an incredible support that made a huge difference in my journey.”

Hassan Alshaker, MD Designation

Grant Leadership

Founder and Selection Committee Member

Mohanad Hamandi, MD – Cardiology Fellow, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Selection & Mentorship Committee

Zahraa Al-Turaihi, MD – Body Imaging Fellow, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Omar Saab, MD – Gastroenterology Fellow, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Saef Izzy, MD – Neurocritical Care Faculty, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
Zaid Alkaissy, MD – Gastroenterologist, Winchester Gastroenterology Associates, Winchester, VA
Haya Alany, MD – Internal Medicine Resident, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ

Support the Grant

Help us empower the next generation of Iraqi physicians. The IMSA Medical Scholars Award is made possible by generous contributions from Iraqi medical professionals and community supporters who believe in giving back.

Your donation directly supports deserving applicants with the financial and mentorship resources they need to pursue residency training in the United States.

Make a Donation

Donor Highlight

We extend our deepest thanks to the many Iraqi physicians in the U.S. who make this award possible. Their belief in mentorship, equity, and community is the driving force behind the IMSA Medical Scholars Award

IMSA USA