Dr. Shervin Mortazavi: Champion of International Medical Graduates and Advocate for Global Talent in U.S. Medicine

With over 26 years of experience, this Bronx physician is mentoring the next generation of international doctors navigating the U.S. healthcare system.

When you step into the busy healthcare landscape of the Bronx, New York, it doesn’t take long to hear the name Dr. Shervin Mortazavi. An Internist, educator, leader, and fierce advocate for International Medical Graduates (IMGs), Dr. Mortazavi has become a trusted voice for those striving to succeed in one of the most competitive medical systems in the world.

A clinical veteran with more than two decades of experience, he has worn many hats: Director of the Nursing and Rehabilitation Division at Essen Healthcare, Director of Post-Acute Care Services at BronxCare Hospital, Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and past President of The Bronx County Medical Society. But for the hundreds of aspiring physicians he’s mentored over the years, he’s something even more valuable: a lifeline.

The IMG Experience—Personal and Professional

Born, trained, and first licensed as a physician abroad, Dr. Mortazavi is intimately familiar with the challenges faced by IMGs. He doesn’t simply offer guidance as an administrator; he speaks from experience.

“I’ve lived the journey,” he says. “I know what it’s like to face the unknown, to navigate licensing, cultural differences, and unfamiliar expectations while trying to prove that you belong.”

His own success in the U.S. system serves as a beacon for others—proof that with the right preparation, mindset, and mentorship, international doctors can not only survive, but thrive.

A Mentor with a Mission

While many physicians focus exclusively on clinical duties or hospital leadership, Dr. Mortazavi has carved out a space for something more personal: mentorship for IMGs preparing to enter the U.S. residency match.

Each year, thousands of internationally trained doctors apply for residency positions in the United States. Many are academically gifted, clinically sharp, and incredibly driven—but falter at a critical step: the interview.

“Residency interviews in the U.S. are not just about clinical knowledge,” Dr. Mortazavi explains. “They’re about communication, professionalism, and cultural awareness. You may be brilliant, but if you can’t connect during the interview, your potential may never be seen.”

To fill that gap, Dr. Mortazavi provides targeted coaching, conducting mock interviews, reviewing CVs, offering feedback on communication skills, and helping candidates understand what U.S. programs are really looking for. His approach is both strategic and deeply human.

He teaches IMGs to reframe their experience abroad—not as a disadvantage, but as a unique asset. He shows them how to highlight their strengths while acknowledging the growth that residency in the U.S. represents.

Beyond the Interview Room

But Dr. Mortazavi’s mentorship extends well beyond the application process. He helps IMGs build long-term vision, encouraging them to pursue research, leadership roles, and academic medicine. He counsels them on building confidence, managing culture shock, and understanding the unspoken rules of the American medical system.

What sets him apart is his holistic view of the IMG journey. He doesn’t simply help them match. He helps them stay, grow, and lead.

"Every time one of my students becomes a resident, a fellow, or an attending in this country, it's a win for global medicine," he says. "They bring skills, perspectives, and heart that elevate the entire system."

A Leader Recognized Across the Profession

Dr. Mortazavi’s contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. He has received Achievement Awards from the Governor of New York State, the Mayor of New York City, and Congressional Special Recognition from the United States Congress. These honors speak not only to his clinical leadership but to his work as an advocate for inclusion and excellence.

During his term as President of The Bronx County Medical Society, he helped spearhead initiatives to promote access to care and diversity in physician training. As a Clinical Instructor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, he continues to invest in the next generation of providers—both U.S.-trained and international.

Despite his impressive résumé, Dr. Mortazavi is grounded and approachable. Colleagues describe him as generous with his time, insightful in his counsel, and driven by a clear sense of purpose.

Eyes on the Future: 2026 and Beyond

With the 2026 residency match cycle already underway, Dr. Mortazavi’s guidance is in higher demand than ever. The post-pandemic medical world is changing. Program directors are looking for more than test scores—they want emotional intelligence, adaptability, and cross-cultural competence.

“IMGs are built for this moment,” Dr. Mortazavi says. “They’ve worked in complex environments, adapted to unfamiliar systems, and remained committed through uncertainty. That’s the kind of strength the future of medicine needs.”

He continues to encourage residency programs to see IMGs not as risks but as untapped assets. “When we invest in international doctors, we invest in better patient care, global collaboration, and a more inclusive medical system.”

The Heart of a Teacher

For all his accolades, what defines Dr. Shervin Mortazavi most is not the titles or awards—it’s his heart as a teacher. He often reminds his mentees that success isn’t just about being chosen. It’s about showing who you are.

“You are not just applying for a residency. You are joining a team, a community, a system that needs you. Let that shine.”

It’s a message that echoes in every seminar he leads, every email he answers, and every IMG he mentors: You belong here.

And thanks to leaders like Dr. Mortazavi, more international doctors are finding their place—not just in the match, but in the future of American medicine.

About Dr. Shervin Mortazavi Dr. Shervin Mortazavi is a board-certified Internist with over 26 years of experience in clinical medicine and healthcare leadership. He currently serves as Director of the Nursing and Rehabilitation Division at Essen Healthcare and Director of Post-Acute Care Services at BronxCare Hospital. He is also a Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. A past President of The Bronx County Medical Society, Dr. Mortazavi has been honored with achievement awards from the New York State Governor, the Mayor of New York City, and the United States Congress. He is a dedicated mentor to International Medical Graduates and continues to shape the future of medicine—one doctor at a time.