46. IMG Roadmap Series #61: Dr. Ash Soni, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

This week’s show is an interview with Dr. Ash Soni, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon from the UK. Dr. Soni attended Imperial Medical School in London. While in school he began electives in the US to get a feel for whether he would pursue residency in the US. He started with a match into a research fellowship at Cornel leading to a match into general surgery at Johns Hopkins. His time in the US was rounded out with a match in plastic and reconstructive surgery in Seattle at University of Washington, followed by a year long fellowship back in the UK. After all his training, Dr. Soni started his own private clinic, The Soni Clinic. Along with his story of determination and growth, Dr. Soni gives us a few pieces of advice to carry along our own journeys. In this episode you will learn: The importance of doing the early background work and research to prepare before coming to the US The importance of setting standards for yourself as an IMG The advantage of being as published as possible before applying for residency The benefit of applying broadly for general surgery residency positions versus specialties Dr. Soni also gives us some important takeaways: It’s important to know what you’re worth You shouldn’t settle when you have the opportunity for something better Take the time to find institutions that respect and invest in the success of IMGs Be realistic and know what is attainable for you Nothing is impossible - it just depends on how hard you’re willing to work You can read his full interview from 2019 on my blog  by clicking HERE If you would like to reach out to Dr. Soni, you can connect with him on Instagram @thesoniclinic