Nourishment, Encouragement, Support & Trust: NEST I

Project concept :

Since our inception, a key component of IMI’s work has been to train and empower young health professionals to become leaders in their chosen fields. For many young medical students and foreign graduates, the reality of having good experience through electives/research in the US on their résumés means an extra financial burden looking for temporary housing and paying high program fees.

As advised by consultants and members in the March 30, 2014 meeting, the first phase of this project was the acquisition of rental properties. Two units were rented by IM HQ (one for females and one for males) in New Jersey.

Due to high demands, there was already a waiting list within the first few months and despite the female unit not being completely furnished, young students and interns started living there.

After purchasing a 2-bedroom unit (Silver Court) a few minutes away from the rotation site. in June 2015, IMI HQ also had both Silver Court and Royal Crest units properly outfitted with new furniture in July 2015.

Need :

Imagine being a young student landing at JFK and facing challenges like:

• A new place with no family or friends
• Not knowing where they will be staying
• How they will go from one place to another
• Where will they get halal meals

Add to these challenges the tuition fees, accommodations, meals, and transportation costs. Such costs are prohibitive for scores of highly talented students and professionals across the globe.
IMI has taken the first step in realizing a spectacular community service: The NEST I Project caters to a dire need in our community. These young men and women are Nourished and Encouraged and get the support they need to build the Trust to excel in their professions and achieve their goals and lead the community in times ahead, InshaAllah.

Historical Background :

This project (N.E.S.T) had been under consideration for a long time but in 2011, 45 young physicians unanimously passed a resolution at IMI’s Professional Guidance Seminar in NJ for IMI US to start the project. In two subsequent sessions, in 2012 when 35 young doctors and in 2013 when 25 young professionals in their career guidance seminar reiterated the same IMI US Board of Directors and IMI Global Board of Regents have subsequently approved the project.

To date, over 1400 young Doctors, Researchers, and Students have come from all over the world including: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, the Caribbean, China, Egypt, Finland, India, Nepal, Oman, Iraq, Ireland, Kashmir, Iran, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Syria, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan.

Silver Court Apartment

Royal Crest Images

Benefits :

• Subsidized accommodation in an environment that nurtures professional growth.
• Mentorship for Individuals at various levels: Undergraduate education, Residency, Fellowship, Research, Observer-ship or Clinical Clerkship.
• Exam Prep guidance for USMLE Step 2, Clinical Skills Exams, and Step 3 Exam from doctors who have recently cleared all steps successfully.
• Regular Career Guidance Sessions, Research Seminars, and Journal Club on-site with emphasis on matching for residencies and securing fellowships.
• Professional Skills Development: Resources to improve CV writing skills, and personal statements and to enhance interview techniques.
• Resources to help with financial management and visa concerns.
• Forming bonds/networking with professional colleagues as residents support each other through formative times in career and life.
• Joining a platform to enhance social and professional networks.
• Alleviating family worries: living in a safe and socially, culturally, and religiously sensitive environment.
• Paying it forward: Young professionals emerge as a solid asset to the community to become a source of help to future generations.

If you are interested in joining IMI's Observership & NEST I Program, please visit our Residencies & Observerships page and apply through the form available there.

For details or other ways to become involved with the NEST I Project, please email at Imihq@imamiamedics.com

How Your Donations Help :

This program is 100% dependent on donations from people like you.
Your donations help by :

• Paying approximately $50,000.00 Yearly expenses for the two units.
• The average monthly expenses for both the units is approximately $3500.00 (which includes utility, maintenance, tax, sewer & repairs and monthly rent for one of the units).
• Subsidized or free registration for Residency Guidance Seminar and Research Seminars.
• USMLE Exam fees, Qarz-e-Hasna and interest free loans for deserving candidates.
• Travel grants to attend clinical rotations, conferences and seminars as well, facilitating attendance at Jum’a prayers and majaalis.

Over 1400 young professionals have taken advantage of this wonderful initiative by Imamia Medics International!

Even still, the demand for placements and accommodations has risen. Much work remains to be done for our students to help position them with the nourishment and support they deserve. We encourage you to support the future of our community through the NEST I program.

BE THE ONE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Donations can be made through the following:

Zelle, Venmo or PayPal
imi@imamiamedics.com
(Please make sure to share your email ID so you can get your payment receipts.)
OR
Send your checks to:
Imamia Medics International
P.O.Box 8209, Princeton
NJ 08540

If you are interested in joining IMI's Observership & NEST I Program, please visit our Residencies & Observerships page and apply through the form available there.

For details or other ways to become involved with the NEST I Project, please email at Imihq@imamiamedics.com