STFM Launches New Collaborative to Support IMGs

STFM has launched the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Collaborative to provide a national, member-driven forum for supporting IMGs.

October 22, 2026—In an effort to support international medical graduates (IMGs) and the educators and mentors who work with IMG physicians and learners, STFM has launched the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Collaborative to provide a national, member-driven forum dedicated to supporting this important group of medical professionals. The collaborative is open for members to join and begin discussions.International Medical Graduates (IMGs) make crucial contributions to family medicine as clinicians, educators, researchers, and leaders. This collaborative, which is open to all STFM members, brings together diverse perspectives and expertise to identify needs, share resources and effective practices, and develop initiatives that support the professional and academic development of IMGs in family medicine.The inaugural co-chairs of the collaborative are Rupalakshmi Vijayan, MD, Kento Sonoda, MD, MPH, and Little Sahoko, MD, PhD.

“International medical graduates bring diverse experiences, perspectives, and strengths to family medicine,” Dr Vijayan says. “The STFM IMG Collaborative aims to build a supportive community where educators, faculty, residents, and other members can share resources, exchange ideas, and advance the professional development and integration of IMGs in academic family medicine. I’m excited to help create a space for collaboration, mentorship, and meaningful contributions to the future of our specialty.”

How to Join the Collaborative

To join this new collaborative, visit the “Join a Collaborative” page, logged in with your STFM member account, and view the list of collaboratives in alphabetical order.

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Events

October 30, 2026, 2 pm eastern: Webinar: "Mind Matters: Integrating Cognitive Health Care and Prevention in Family Medicine"

November 4, 2026, 1 pm eastern: Webinar: "At the Deep End: How Family Physicians Can Build Connection, Community, and Change"

November 12, 2026, 12:30 pm eastern: Webinar: "Building Your Legacy: 8 Smart Estate Planning Strategies to Protect Family and Preserve Wealth"

December 2, 2026, 1 pm eastern: Webinar: "The Adaptive Coach: The Core Principles Behind Effective Coaching"

January 13, 2027, 1 pm eastern: Webinar: "The Present Coach: Listening and Silence for Learning"

February 3, 2027, 1 pm eastern: Webinar: "The Curious Coach: Powerful Questions and Reframing for Insight"

February 5–7, 2027: STFM Conference on Medical Student Education

March 10, 2027, 1 pm eastern: Webinar: "The Disciplined Coach: Taming the Advice Monster and Guiding Growth"

April 7, 2027, 1 pm eastern: Webinar: "The Collaborative Coach: Co-Creating Goals and Growth Plans"

May 1–5, 2027: STFM Annual Spring Conference

Deadlines

October 27, 2026: Apply for STFM Faculty for Tomorrow Resident Scholarship

November 2, 2026: Apply for Funding From STFM Project Fund

November 8, 2026: Nominations for Curtis G. Hames Research Award

November 8, 2026: Nominations for STFM Research Paper of the Year Award

November 8, 2026: Apply for AI Centers of Excellence Recognition Program

November 14, 2026: Apply for STFM Emerging Leaders Fellowship

January 13, 2027: Apply for POCUS Educator's Certificate Program

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