LATIMGS Foundation
LATIMGS represents a U.S.-based organization expanding the healthcare workforce by supporting Latin American medical talent through clinical training, research, career development, and professional networking.
Research Opportunities & Employer Connections
We actively share information on research positions available to International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and facilitate connections with employers who sponsor visas, helping you advance your career in the U.S.
Webinars & Educational Events
Our webinars provide targeted support for Latin American medical students, addressing critical topics such as mindset optimization, navigating ERAS applications, and strategies for achieving academic and professional success.
Instant Peer and Mentor Support
Join our “Just Ask” WhatsApp Group, a dedicated platform for real-time guidance from both peers and mentors. It’s an invaluable resource for quick advice, networking, and staying connected with the community.
Key Resources and Support
Key Resources and Support
Research Opportunities & Employer Connections
We actively share information on research positions available to International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and facilitate connections with employers who sponsor visas, helping you advance your career in the U.S.
Webinars & Educational Events
Our webinars provide targeted support for Latin American medical students, addressing critical topics such as mindset optimization, navigating ERAS applications, and strategies for achieving academic and professional success.
Instant Peer and Mentor Support
Join our “Just Ask” WhatsApp Group, a dedicated platform for real-time guidance from both peers and mentors. It’s an invaluable resource for quick advice, networking, and staying connected with the community.
LATIMGS Ambassadors & Volunteers
Are you passionate about supporting Latin American medical graduates and sharing the LATIMGS mission in your country? Become a LATIMGS Ambassador and make a meaningful impact in your medical community.
Ambassadors & Volunteers
Promote LATIMGS programs in your region.
Guide and support fellow international medical graduates.
Build a strong, engaged local network of future healthcare leaders.
Exclusive Discounts on clinical rotations.
Ongoing Personalized Support throughout your medical journey from the LATIMGS team.
Opportunities for leadership, networking, and professional development within an international medical community.
MEET LATIMGS FOUNDING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Cucalón Calderón is a pediatrician at Renown Children’s Hospital and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. Originally from Ecuador, he earned his medical degree from Univ Catolica de Guayaquil (Ecuador) he completed his residency at the University of South Alabama.
Dr. José Cucalón
Dr. Arguelles-Hernandez is an international physician and clinical researcher specializing in dermato-oncology trials at MD Anderson Cancer Center. She earned her medical degree from Universidad Anáhuac Querétaro (Mexico) and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Administration at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Dr. Julieta Argüelles
Dr. Carla Torres-Zegarra is a Pediatric Dermatologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado, Associate Professor of Dermatology, and Director of the Pediatric Dermatology Fellowship at the University of Colorado. A graduate of Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Lima, Peru, she completed her residency training at the Cleveland. She is the only Peruvian physician currently triple board certified in Pediatrics, Dermatology, and Pediatric Dermatology.
Dr. Carla Torres
Dr. Shapiro is a Pediatrician and healthcare leader with extensive experience in medical education, workforce development, and advocacy.
As Director of Workforce Development, he leads the Foundation’s efforts to strengthen physician pipelines, expand training models, and build strategic partnerships for
international medical graduates.
Dr. Ilan Shapiro
Dr. De Alba serves as Assistant Dean for Student Engagement and Associate Professor of Family Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He earned his medical degree from Universidad Popular Autónoma del Edo. de Puebla (Mexico), an MPH and PhD in Clinical Translational Research from University of Nebraska Medical Center and is a recipient of the NHMA Physician of the Year Award.
Dr. Armando de Alba
Dr. Otañez is a Family Medicine physician and Associate Chief Medical Officer at TrueCare, with more than 15 years of healthcare leadership in Mexico and the United States. A graduate of the Autonomous University of Baja California, he completed the UCLA International Medical Graduate Program and his Family Medicine Residency at UC San Diego, where he served as Chief Resident.
Dr. Jorge Otañez
Dr. Isea Mercado is an Internal Medicine physician and Assistant Program Director at AdventHealth Orlando. A graduate of Universidad Central de Venezuela, he completed his residency in Internal Medicine at AdventHealth Orlando and is board certified in Internal Medicine.
Dr. Luis Isea
Dr. Diaz is a Family Medicine physician with more than fifty years of service in clinical practice, research, and academic leadership. A graduate of the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, he completed his residency and fellowship at UC Davis Medical Center.
Dr. Mark Díaz
MEET LATIMGS COUNCILS CHAIRS 2025-2026
Dr. Bryan Vintimilla is an ECFMG-certified physician from Ecuador currently preparing for residency training in General Surgery in the United States. He has a strong dedication to medical education, professional development, and peer mentorship, with a particular interest in supporting Latin American IMGs as they pursue the transition into U.S. graduate medical education.
Dr. Bryan Vintimilla
Dr. Carolina Martínez Loya, an International Medical Graduate from Mexico, is dedicated to advancing equitable, community-centered healthcare. Aspiring to specialize in Otolaryngology with interests in ENT and Endocrinology, she embraces a holistic model of care addressing both physical and psychosocial health.
Dr. Carolina Mártinez
Dr. Daniela Rivera Larios is an International Medical Graduate from Mexico preparing to pursue residency in Anesthesiology. She is deeply committed to advancing equity in healthcare by empowering Latin American physicians and broadening access for underserved communities.
Dr. Daniela Rivera
Dr. Jonathan Reyes is a physician from Mexico and graduate of the Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí. With a strong focus on Internal Medicine and Cardiology, he is passionate about advancing academic medicine, research, and advocating for exceptional patient care. As Chair of the LATIMGS Research Council, he leads efforts to engage international medical graduates in research and innovation, creating opportunities for mentorship and scholarly growth.
Dr. Jonathan Reyes
Dr. Kelly Pérez is a Mexican physician,, Assistant Professor, and Research Coordinator committed to advancing opportunities for Latino International Medical Graduates (IMGs). She focuses on fostering collaboration, promoting education, and ensuring IMGs access the tools needed for success in the U.S. medical system.
Dr. Kelly Pérez
Dr. Gabriela Bedolla Carriedo is an IMG from Mexico whose journey has been shaped by academic and personal challenges, fueling her commitment to physician wellness and mental health advocacy. She believes that the success of international medical graduates depends not only on medical knowledge and clinical training but also on strong support systems that protect wellbeing.
Dr. Gabriela Bedolla
Dr. Raul Urbina is an IMG from Honduras with a strong interest in psychiatry. His experiences in medical school and the healthcare system have given him firsthand insight into the mental and emotional challenges faced by physicians, inspiring his commitment to physician wellness.
Dr. Raúl Urbina
Dr. Andrea Abifaraj Daaboul is an ECFMGcertified physician from Honduras with a strong commitment to primary care, medical education, and health equity. From her earliest years in training, she has been actively engaged in medical brigades and outreach programs across Honduras, where she cultivated a passion for serving underserved communities.
Dr. Andrea Abifaraj
Emilio Berumen is a sixth-year medical student from Mexico completing his internship in Houston, Texas, through LATIMGS Academy. As Chair of the LATIMGS Medical Students Council, he is a driving force in uniting and empowering medical students across Latin America to pursue their dreams in U.S. medicine.
Emilio Berumen, MS5
MEET LATIMGS COUNCILS LEADS 2025-2026
Dr. Helen Ruvalcaba Guerrero is a medical graduate from Anáhuac Xalapa (Mexico), where she was awarded Medical Student Valedictorian. She has successfully passed Step 1 and is currently preparing for Step 2 CK. Through her undergraduate internship and social service with LATIMGS Academy, she gained early experience in clinical research and later served as a Clinical Research Coordinator in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Helen Ruvalcaba
Dr. Esther Galvez, an international medical graduate from the Dominican Republic, holds a Master’s in Nutritional Intervention in Emergencies and Disasters.
She aspires to pursue residency training in Pulmonary and Critical Care or Emergency Medicine.
Dr. Esther Galvez
Dr.Paulina Michel Razo Banda is an IMG from Mexico passionate about combining patient care with research to create meaningful impact. She has contributed to a wide range of projects, including observational, retrospective, and cross-sectional studies, as well as case reports, systematic reviews, and metaanalyses—experiences that have shaped her perspective as a future medical researcher. Her main interests are internal medicine and oncology.
Dr. Michel Razo
Dr. Jennifer Rodas is an ECFMG-certified international medical graduate from Ecuador preparing to apply for residency in Internal Medicine. Passionate about mentorship and community building, she joined LATIMGS after experiencing its supportive and collaborative spirit.
Dr. Jennifer Rodas
Ana is a fourth-year medical student at Universidad Anáhuac Mayab, originally from Venezuela. She is passionate about bridging science, clinical care, and community, with experience leading cardiology initiatives, contributing to genomics research, and presenting her work at international institutions.
Ana Andrade, MS5
Dr. Nitzia Quilantan is an international medical graduate from Mexico who earned her medical degree at Universidad del Noreste (Tampico). She is passionate about oncology and currently works as a Clinical Studies Coordinator at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she contributes to clinical research and patient care.
Dr. Nitzia Quilantán
Dr. Ana Mendoza is an international medical graduate from Mexico who earned her medical degree at Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua. She currently works as a Clinical Studies Coordinator in the Phase I ICT Department at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she contributes to advancing research and patient care.
