About Us
LATIMGS® (Latin International Medical Graduates & Students) is a U.S.-based education and advocacy initiative dedicated to expanding and diversifying the physician workforce. We serve Latin American medical students and international medical graduates through structured, high-impact programs that connect talent with opportunity.
Our flagship educational program, LATIMGS® Academy, provides final-year medical students from Latin America with a structured pathway to align their clinical training with U.S.-based standards. Through clinical clerkships, research experiences, professional coaching, and mentorship, participants gain the skills, experience, and networks needed to pursue medical careers in the United States. This work addresses critical workforce needs by preparing culturally competent, bilingual physicians to serve diverse communities.
The LATIMGS® Foundation, our independent nonprofit, advances our mission through scholarships, strategic partnerships, and national advocacy — ensuring equitable access to training and professional networks for Latin American physicians-in-training.
Together, we are building a stronger, more representative healthcare workforce — one future doctor at a time.
Dr. Julieta Argüelles
Dr. Julieta Argüelles-Hernandez, MD, MPH(c)
Founder, LATIMGS
I founded LATIMGS to rewrite what’s possible for Latin American medical students and graduates — not just for their careers, but for the future of healthcare itself.
This is about building a U.S. physician workforce that understands our patients, speaks their language, and reflects the world we serve.
Our communities deserve better. We’re here to deliver it.
Per aspera, ad astra.
Dr. Julieta Argüelles
Dr. Julieta Argüelles-Hernandez, MD, MPH(c)
Founder, LATIMGS
I founded LATIMGS to rewrite what’s possible for Latin American medical students and graduates — not just for their careers, but for the future of healthcare itself.
This is about building a U.S. physician workforce that understands our patients, speaks their language, and reflects the world we serve.
Our communities deserve better. We’re here to deliver it.
Per aspera, ad astra.
A Great Place of Medical Health
We are building a structured pathway that empowers Latin American medical students and graduates to contribute to the U.S. healthcare system — while also strengthening medical education, training standards, and physician leadership across Latin America.
This work matters on both sides of the border.
In the U.S., we help address physician shortages and improve care for multilingual, multicultural communities.
In Latin America, we reinvest in students and schools, expand global opportunity, and inspire a generation of future-ready doctors.
This isn’t just about getting into residency — it’s about transforming healthcare through global talent, shared learning, and lasting partnerships.
If you’re a student or IMG: this is your place.
If you’re an educator, physician, or partner: we invite you to help us grow.
Let’s build the future of medicine — together!
Affiliate Health Organizations
Commitment to Medical Excellence
Affiliate Medical Schools
FAQ
LATIMGS Academy is pleased to open the application cycle for the Undergraduate Observership Program, running from July 2025 through July 2026. This program offers Latin American medical students a unique opportunity to observe clinical environments in Houston and strengthen their preparation for the U.S. medical system.
Our programs are designed for:
- International medical students and graduates from Latin America.
- Physicians seeking to gain exposure to the U.S. healthcare system.
- Individuals aiming to enhance their residency applications through U.S.-based experience.
A clinical observership is a short-term experience where you shadow U.S.-licensed physicians to observe patient care, medical procedures, and hospital operations. Benefits include:
- Gaining insight into U.S. medical practices.
- Enhancing your CV for residency applications.
- Receiving letters of recommendation from U.S. physicians.
- Building professional networks within the U.S. medical community.
Yes, international participants typically require a B-1 visa for short-term observerships. LATIMGS provides a visa support letter to assist with your application. However, LATIMGS is not an immigration law firm and is not responsible for visa applications or the outcome of the visa process. We do not guarantee visa approval. It is advisable to consult the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country for specific visa requirements or seek guidance from an immigration attorney.
Yes, upon successful completion of the observership and demonstrating professionalism, participants may request a personalized letter of recommendation from their supervising physician. This letter can be a valuable asset for residency applications.
LATIMGS offers observerships in various specialties, including but not limited to:
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Surgery
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Anesthesiology
