The U.S. faces a known doctor shortage, and unsupported doctors, both domestically and internationally, can help alleviate the problem. So why do many medical graduates struggle to secure residency placements and gain acceptance into fellowship opportunities? Dr. Michael Everest — founder of Residents Medical, a company that helps underrepresented doctors in finding residency placements — says it often comes down to support.

“Within U.S. residency, there is a supply and demand struggle. When you have limited positions and thousands of applicants,” he explains, “many from prestigious institutions like UCLA, University of Chicago, Northwestern, or UCSD, it becomes challenging for individuals from small, less funded medical programs, or countries like Sierra Leone or India to compete. I sought to create opportunities and integrate these doctors into a program that provides the necessary support and test preparation.”

Residents Medical might sound relatively new, but Dr. Everest founded it more than 20 years ago. The company, based in Los Angeles, helps medical school graduates across the United States and other countries.

According to Dr. Everest, many medical graduates often lack the same postgraduate support needed to secure a residency. Prestigious medical schools in the United States frequently assist graduates in obtaining desired residencies. In contrast, smaller medical schools simply don’t have the resources. Additionally, many medical graduates have extenuating circumstances which limit their options for residency.

Whether they are bound to specific locations to care for ailing parents, or in need of a couples match to keep their family together, Residents Medical gives medical school graduates the individualized attention they need for success. The support it offers extends beyond residency application help.

“We provide each of our students and residency/fellowship placement candidates comprehensive and dedicated services from start to finish,” Dr. Everest says. “Our team of residency specialist counselors, including seasoned  MDs with years of experience, ensures that every individual receives personalized guidance and unwavering support throughout the entire process.”

Residents Medical takes a system based approach, utilizing integration to help candidates build a network within the U.S. medical system, and enhance their experiences and CVs. Their counselors help them through these processes, taking the time to understand each candidate’s unique circumstances, and present opportunities that align with their larger goals.

“The importance of having local advocates or counselors who can understand and articulate the strengths and weaknesses of the candidates cannot be overstated,” he continues. “These advocates can bridge the gap and provide the necessary support to give students a fair chance at securing their desired residency positions.”

Since Residents Medical was founded, many imitators have followed. However, thanks to its focus on comprehensive education and its considerable sphere of influence on residencies and medical fellowship opportunities, Residents Medical remains in a class of its own.

Dr. Everest is passionate about educating future doctors, so it’s fitting that edYOU, one of his recent ventures, integrates  AI in medical education to help students study more effectively. Residents Medical and edYOU complement each other seamlessly  Through a conversational AI platform,Hannah, students can ask questions and receive 24/7 assistance.

Dr. Everest’s vision for  Residents Medical and edYOU stems from his interest in helping people. “My passion,” he explains, “lies in helping humanity, providing a voice to the marginalized and disadvantaged. By doing so, we have produced some of the best doctors, breaking barriers and creating opportunities for those who otherwise might not have had a chance. Similarly, with edYOU, the motivation remains the same — to help individuals who need support and resources in their educational journey.”

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