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Waitlist: https://research.metaanalysisacademy.com/maaen-le-stm-descricao

In MetaCast #30, we welcome Juan Pinilla, a final-year medical student from Medellín, Colombia, whose academic journey shows what’s possible when persistence, curiosity, and global collaboration come together. Coming from a setting with few research opportunities, Juan carved his path by learning to identify gaps, connecting with mentors around the world, and consistently showing up for the work, eventually leading to first-author publications, international presentations, and a competitive clerkship opportunity in Texas.

In this episode, Juan shares what it’s really like to pursue research in Latin America, how he developed the confidence to reach out to global mentors, and the step-by-step strategies that helped him grow from having almost no academic experience to publishing in high-impact cardiology journals. We also discuss how community support, evidence-based thinking, and the Meta-Analysis Academy shaped his development and opened doors that once seemed out of reach.

His story is a practical roadmap for international medical students who want to build strong CVs, find mentors abroad, earn U.S. clinical experience, and make research a meaningful part of their careers, even without ideal resources. Whether you’re just starting your academic journey or preparing for residency applications, this conversation is full of insights you can apply right away.

Waitlist: https://research.metaanalysisacademy.com/maaen-le-stm-descricao

In MetaCast #29, we host Dr. Wiktor Gminski, a cardiologist from Poland who traveled to the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions to present his meta-analysis and received the prestigious Paul Dudley Award. Coming from a demanding clinical environment and navigating a long, intensive cardiology training pathway, he shares how curiosity, openness, and mentorship shaped his journey from medical school in Poland to becoming a certified operator in cardiac implantable electronic devices.

In this episode, we explore what cardiology training looks like in Europe, including the structure of residency, subspecialty pathways in electrophysiology and cardiac devices, and how young physicians can identify their niche. Dr. Wiktor discusses how discovering meta-analysis reframed his academic trajectory, helping him find knowledge gaps, develop original research ideas, and collaborate internationally through the Meta-Analysis Academy and its Experts Program.

The conversation highlights the importance of seizing opportunities, staying open-minded, networking at conferences like AHA, and learning from peers and mentors. This episode offers practical insights and inspiration for cardiology trainees, early-career researchers, and physicians aiming to build impactful academic careers while balancing clinical responsibilities.

Learn more about the Meta-Analysis Academy: https://research.metaanalysisacademy.com/maaen-le-stm-descricao

In MetaCast #28, we host Kangwa Francis Molenga, a Zambian medical student currently completing his medical training in Azerbaijan. Coming from a background with limited access to research infrastructure and international academic guidance, Kangwa shares how curiosity, resilience, and strategic decision-making shaped his journey from high school in Zambia to studying medicine abroad through a fully funded international scholarship.

In this episode, we explore the realities of pursuing medical education outside one’s home country, including navigating government-sponsored scholarships, adapting to a compressed and intensive medical curriculum, and overcoming the lack of local research opportunities. Kangwa discusses how discovering meta-analysis transformed his academic trajectory, allowing him to collaborate with researchers worldwide and publish cardiology research presented at major international conferences. The conversation highlights the importance of initiative, global networking, time management, and evidence-based medicine for international medical graduates aiming to build competitive CVs and pursue residency training in the United States. This episode offers practical insight and inspiration for students seeking to build academic careers despite systemic limitations.

What is the Meta-Analysis Academy? Get to know the program that can help you to learn how to publish with high-impact, completely from scratch.

Our mission is two-fold: (1) to provide doctors and medical students worldwide with the tools to publish high-impact research with autonomy; and (2) to transform the careers of doctors and medical students through the publication of relevant research.

Rhanderson Cardoso, MD is a clinical cardiologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He graduated medical school in Brazil and did his training in Cardiology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. He was also a chief resident at the University of Miami Internal Medicine Residency Program.* Dr. Cardoso has published more than 90 manuscripts in PubMed-indexed journals, with over 2300 citations in the literature, including by international guidelines. In addition, he has taught thousands of students how to conduct impactful research with autonomy to also advance their careers through the Meta-Analysis Academy.

*Important: The Meta-Analysis Academy has no affiliation with the University of Miami, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, or Harvard Medical School. Opinions are exclusively that of Dr. Rhanderson Cardoso and the team at the Meta-Analysis Academy.

Waiting List: https://research.metaanalysisacademy.com/maaen-le-yt-publicacao

In MetaCast #27, we host Nathalia Schettino, a Brazilian medical student currently training in New York. With an early passion for international education, Nathalia shares her journey from completing high school in Brazil to pursuing undergraduate studies and the pre-med track in the United States, ultimately building a strong foundation toward a medical career within one of the world’s most competitive academic systems.

In this episode, we explore the strategic decisions that shaped her path as an international student, including preparation for U.S. college admissions, adaptation to the academic and cultural demands of New York, and the realities of applying to medical school as a non–U.S. citizen. The conversation highlights the importance of academic performance, standardized exams, research involvement, clinical exposure, volunteering, and strong letters of recommendation in constructing a competitive medical school application. This episode offers insights for students considering an international pathway to medicine and seeking a realistic, structured perspective on medical training in the United States.

*Important: The Meta-Analysis Academy has no affiliation with the University of Miami, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, or Harvard Medical School. Opinions are exclusively that of Dr. Rhanderson Cardoso and the team at the Meta-Analysis Academy.

In MetaCast #26, we host Dr. Atul Taneja, a renowned musculoskeletal radiologist currently practicing at the University of Texas Southwestern. With an impressive journey as an International Medical Graduate (IMG), Dr. Taneja not only built a solid career in clinical practice and education in Brazil but also orchestrated an extraordinary transition to the United States, redefining what it means to achieve excellence in a global landscape.

In this episode, we dive into the strategies that led Dr. Taneja from consolidated success in Brazil to a prominent position in the USA. We explore how research can be your "passport" to American medicine, the details of the Alternate Pathway for radiologists seeking US certification without traditional residency, the immigration routes available and much more.

In the 25th episode of MetaCast, we host Jonathan Mokhtar, an ambitious medical student and aspiring plastic and reconstructive surgeon whose experiences have transcended borders. He has already built a high-impact career through an extensive research portfolio, including numerous published meta-analyses, and invaluable international observerships at top institutions like Harvard's Boston Children's Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic.

Jonathan shares the challenges and triumphs of his journey toward US medical residency as an international student, offering a fascinating comparison between the medical training environments in the UAE and the United States. His strategic approach and passion for surgical innovation make him a true role model for healthcare professionals worldwide.

Learn more about the Meta-Analysis Academy: https://m.metaanalysis.academy/nswz

On MetaCast #24 we host Dr. Eduardo Padrão, a Clinical Fellow in Pulmonary and Critical Care at Harvard's Massachusetts General Hospital*. A former Chief Resident from Brazil's USP*, Dr. Padrão undertook a second medical residency in the U.S. His career is distinguished by over 20 publications, including one cited by UpToDate, and multiple teaching awards, highlighting his exceptional clinical and research acumen, and dedication to education.

In this episode, Dr. Padrão shares invaluable insights into the unique journey of an International Medical Graduate. We explore the challenges of USMLE and residency re-entry, cultural nuances in medical practice, and the strategic importance of research, especially meta-analysis, for career advancement. Gain practical tips on overcoming IMG barriers and discover inspiring stories of resilience that paved his path to success in American medicine.

*Important: The Meta-Analysis Academy and MetaCast have no affiliation with the University of Miami, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, or any other institution mentioned above. Opinions are exclusively those of Dr. Rhanderson Cardoso and the team at the Meta-Analysis Academy.

Learn more about the Meta-Analysis Academy: https://is.gd/BM9Xdm.

In episode #23 of MetaCast, we're honored to host Andrew Bagdasarian, Ph.D., a distinguished Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the MGH/HST Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, part of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Bagdasarian is a pioneering translational neuroimaging scientist and his unique journey, pursuing a high-impact research career through a PhD, offers a fresh perspective on carving out a significant path in biomedical science.

Ande dives deep into the realities of a PhD and postdoctoral career in the US, from navigating funding landscapes like NIH grants (including T32s, K-series, and the coveted R01s) to the critical balance between academic autonomy and securing financial support. He shares invaluable insights on career options beyond the traditional professorship, exploring opportunities in industry, government, and education. Discover practical tips on grant writing, team building, and mentorship, and hear inspiring personal anecdotes about persistence and adapting to a dynamic research environment, even amidst current challenges in research funding.