STEPPING OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE
The Pace of Life ’ s Journey
I
12 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE
am a family physician , living in Louisville since 1997 . I was born and raised in the small town of Kharian , Pakistan , and received my medical education in Lahore . Just like hundreds of International Medical Graduates ( IMG ) every year , I decided to get out of my comfort zone for further training in the U . S .
Like most IMGs , my journey to the U . S . began a few years before my arrival . I was required to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination ( USMLE ) and found there were no centers conducting these in Pakistan . I flew to Bangkok to take the USMLE steps 1 and 2 . Thailand may be a great country to visit for tourism , but not while under the stress of examination , sleeping the day before in a new country .
I still remember it like yesterday , when the mail man brought the official certificate that I met all requirements for residency , the day I learned about the Educational Commission of Foreign Medical Graduates ( ECFMG ) and Federation of State Medical Boards ( FSMB ). Then came the long process of applying for a visit visa , residency applications and flying to the U . S .
After landing at JFK airport , each day was filled with new experiences , learning new things and pushing out of my comfort zone . Everything was new , riding the subway for the first time or going
by WAQAR SALEEM , MD , CMD , FAAFP
grocery shopping in a new country . I came to Louisville from New York on a Greyhound bus . A friend ’ s relatives , Dr . Wasi Haq and his wife , were kind enough to pick me up and provide me a place to stay . Interview day at UofL went well with Dr . Steven Wheeler , Dr . Richard Blondell and everyone else in the program showing their Southern hospitality . I was fortunate to be matched , to call Louisville home .
Life in a new country on the other side of the world comes with sweet rewards and unexpected challenges . I was taught English from first grade , and I grew up watching Sesame Street and Hollywood films . It still didn ’ t prepare me to understand what “ born and bred in Kentucky ” meant . Many immigrants face social isolation and a lack of understanding when experiencing discrimination or prejudice . It was interesting when the front desk narrated the patient inquiry about me , stating “ I heard he is a good doctor , but does he speak English ?” Finding identity and belonging can be complex while trying to fit into society . Fortunately , the city of Louisville and our state are blessed with a lot of compassionate and welcoming citizens who helped us stay local and grow roots .
Life in residency was laborious but equally fun . My first month evaluation said , “ Waqar seems like a hard worker but may have a rocky path because of his lack of USA experience .” My wife , Hana , and I came to Louisville in mid-June , about two weeks before the start of residency . During that time , we had to collect basic items