International Medical Graduates (IMG) Residency Preparation - BRIIDGE Grant

International Medical Graduates (IMG) Residency Preparation - BRIIDGE Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Minnesota Department of Health
Last Updated: April 03, 2026

Summary

The University of Minnesota, in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Health, offers the BRIIDGE program to prepare international medical graduates (IMGs) for residency. This competitive nine-month program includes comprehensive training through inpatient, outpatient, community, and classroom experiences. Participants are selected based on eligibility criteria and personal motivations, ensuring readiness for residency. Accepted applicants must maintain personal health insurance and may not enroll if they match for residency in mid-March. Multiple applications are permitted.

Overview

The University of Minnesota, in partnership with Minnesota Department of Health, will again offer a residency preparatory program for international medical graduates (IMGs). The faculty leads for this program are Drs. Hope Pogemiller, and Michael Westerhaus. This nine–month program will consist of inpatient and outpatient training opportunities as well as community and classroom-based components to optimally prepare participants to match into and succeed in residency programs. Participants will be selected through a competitive application; and will be based on meeting the eligibility requirements as well as readiness for residency, personal initiative, ambitions, and motivations for desiring to complete residency, previous clinical experience, and future goals as a practicing professionals. This program is very competitive. You may apply more than once. Please note that if you are accepted into the BRIIDGE program, and also apply for and then match for residency mid–March, you will not be enrolled in the BRIIDGE program and your spot will be given to someone on the wait list.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. An immigrant now residing permanently in the US as a US citizen or permanent resident;Did not enter the United States on a J1 or similar nonimmigrant visa following acceptance into a United States medical residency or fellowship program;MD degree or international equivalent;At least two years of documented Minnesota residency by the application due date;ECFMG Certification including passing score on USMLE Steps 1 & 2 within 3 attempts;Demonstrated typing proficiency;Personal health insurance coverage throughout the program period.