International Medical Graduates

The Texas Medical Association International Medical Graduate (TMA IMG) Section recognized Gilberto A. Handal, MD, of El Paso, with the IMG Section Outstanding Physician Award today for his commitment to improving the health of his community beyond his medical practice. The TMA IMG physicians presented the award during TexMed 2021, TMA’s annual conference.

Submit your nomination for the Outstanding Physician Award by Feb. 21.

Welcome to the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Section webpage! The IMG Section was created in 1997 to promote diversity and integration in Texas medicine and provide a direct means for IMGs to participate in activities of TMA.

All IMGs are invited to participate in the TMA IMG Section, which is devoted to the unique issues and concerns of all IMG physicians. A diverse group of physicians with a common vision, this section meets three times a year in conjunction with TMA conferences and the annual meeting of the House of Delegates.

Are you a physician who graduated from an international medical school? Are you looking for help with the unique challenges of being a new physician in Texas?

TMA-IMG physician leaders offer a wealth of knowledge about overcoming the hurdles of being not only new to a country but also new to medicine within Texas. Many TMA-IMG leaders can offer advice to those struggling with the sometimes confusing medical licensing rules in Texas. They also can help you understand cultural differences and everyday life situations that can be difficult for physicians in an unfamiliar environment. These leaders are available and eager to connect with and mentor all IMG physicians, even those who are displaced or refugee physicians.

To get matched to a TMA-IMG physician member, simply complete the request form. This will help TMA find just the right physician for you.

Learn how to create an effective mentoring relationship:
- Mentee Guide
- Mentor Guide
Make the Connection Today

The Texas Medical Association elects and appoints physicians to TMA boards, councils, and committees that lead, study and recommend action on issues of the day.

A united partnership representing more than 9,000 members and composed of TMA's county medical societies from the border region in addition to Bexas and Nueces county societies. BHC's primary goal is to communicate a unified message about state and federal legislative and regulatory issues affecting physicians. 

Find links to:

• Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates
• Educational Testing Service
• National Ethnic Medical Society Links
• National Resident Matching Program
• Texas Ethnic Medical Society Links
• U.S. Medical Licensing Examination
• Other IMG-related sources