From navigating the challenges of being an International Medical Graduate to mentoring the next generation, this Bronx-based physician is rewriting what’s possible.
In a quiet office tucked inside one of New York City’s busiest boroughs, Dr. Shervin Mortazavi
begins his day like most physicians—with patients. But between consultations, care plans, and clinical leadership meetings, there’s another kind of work happening behind the scenes. On his phone and laptop, he’s in touch with doctors across continents: young physicians from countries like India, Nigeria, Iran, Pakistan, and Colombia. They are International Medical Graduates (IMGs), preparing to take their biggest step yet—into the U.S. residency match.
And for many of them, Dr. Mortazavi is the mentor they didn’t know they needed.
“I’ve been where they are,” he says. “I understand the excitement, the fear, and the uncertainty. And I also know that, with the right preparation, they absolutely belong here.”
From IMG to Influencer in American Medicine
Dr. Shervin Mortazavi’s own journey began at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, where he earned his medical degree before moving to the U.S. to complete his residency at Englewood Hospital & Medical Center in New Jersey. Like many international doctors, his early career was shaped by adaptation—learning a new healthcare system, mastering medical English, and proving his skill set in an unfamiliar environment.
What he once saw as a challenge, he now recognizes as a strength.
“International graduates are resilient,” he explains. “We’ve learned how to thrive in different systems, with fewer resources and higher stakes. That kind of adaptability is exactly what American hospitals need.”
Over the past 26 years, Dr. Mortazavi has done more than build a respected medical career. He’s served as Director of the Nursing and Rehabilitation Division at Essen Healthcare, Director of Post-Acute Care at BronxCare Hospital, and Clinical Instructor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. He’s also been President of The Bronx County Medical Society and recognized with honors from the Governor of New York, the Mayor of New York City, and even the United States Congress.
Still, he says the work that means the most to him is what happens offstage—when he helps one more IMG believe in their future.
Why Mentorship Matters
In the world of residency applications, mentorship can be the difference between matching and missing out. IMGs often lack the local networks and institutional support that U.S. graduates take for granted. That’s where Dr. Mortazavi’s mission begins.
He coaches IMGs on how to write strong personal statements, present their experiences with clarity, and master the unspoken rules of the U.S. interview process. He helps them rehearse answers that reflect not only clinical knowledge but also cultural fluency and emotional intelligence.
“Most of the candidates I work with are qualified on paper,” he says. “What they need is guidance on how to communicate their value in a way that resonates here.”
That includes understanding how American program directors evaluate applicants—not just based on test scores, but on presence, professionalism, and perceived fit.
Changing the Conversation
Dr. Mortazavi is also helping change how IMGs view themselves. He encourages them to stop seeing their international background as a liability and start seeing it as a competitive edge.
“You’ve worked with diverse patient populations. You’ve adapted under pressure. You’ve already proven that you’re dedicated,” he tells them. “Now it’s time to show it.”
Part of that, he adds, is learning the cultural and social dynamics of the American hospital system. He teaches his mentees how to communicate assertively without being aggressive, how to express confidence without arrogance, and how to demonstrate humility while still owning their experience.
He also prepares them for the practical challenges of the interview day—from navigating the location and dressing appropriately to managing nerves and leaving a strong final impression.
The 2026 Residency Match: A Moment of Opportunity
Looking ahead, Dr. Mortazavi sees the 2026 residency match as a unique opportunity for IMGs. The post-pandemic reshaping of the healthcare workforce has created new openings—but also heightened expectations. Now, more than ever, programs are looking for doctors who are adaptable, collaborative, and globally minded.
“This is a year where prepared IMGs can truly shine,” he says. “But they need to be ready not just with knowledge, but with presence and purpose.”
For that reason, he’s doubling down on his mentorship work—hosting workshops, offering one-on-one coaching, and continuing to provide insights that bridge the gap between global talent and U.S. medical standards.
A Legacy of Empowerment
What makes Dr. Mortazavi stand out isn’t just his résumé. It’s the legacy he’s building through the lives of others. Former mentees have gone on to become residents, fellows, hospitalists, and even leaders in their own right—carrying forward the same spirit of support and excellence he shared with them.
To them, he’s more than a doctor or mentor. He’s a champion.
“Success in medicine isn’t just about what you do for yourself,” he says. “It’s about how many others you lift along the way.”
For Dr. Shervin Mortazavi, that’s not a philosophy. It’s a way of life.
About Dr. Shervin Mortazavi
Dr. Shervin Mortazavi is a board-certified Internist with over 26 years of clinical experience. He serves as Director of the Nursing and Rehabilitation Division at Essen Healthcare, Director of Post-Acute Care Services at BronxCare Hospital, and Clinical Instructor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. He is the former President of The Bronx County Medical Society and has been recognized with awards from the New York State Governor, New York City Mayor, and the U.S. Congress. As a mentor, Dr. Mortazavi helps International Medical Graduates navigate the U.S. medical system with confidence, clarity, and purpose.