Dr. Shervin Mortazavi: A Physician Building Bridges for International Medical Graduates

 

As the U.S. healthcare system evolves, one Bronx internist is making it more accessible for global talent — one doctor at a time.

In a city as dynamic and diverse as New York, it’s not unusual to find physicians from all over the world practicing side by side. But few are doing more to help these doctors get there than Dr. Shervin Mortazavi. With more than 26 years of experience in medicine, administration, and mentorship, Dr. Mortazavi has become one of the leading voices advocating for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) navigating the complex path to U.S. residency.

While many physicians focus solely on their clinical duties, Dr. Mortazavi has taken on an additional mission — equipping foreign-trained doctors with the knowledge, tools, and mindset to succeed in the highly competitive U.S. residency system. His efforts have transformed countless careers, and his impact is only growing.

From Iran to New York: A Personal Journey of Resilience

Dr. Mortazavi began his medical education at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, one of the most prestigious institutions in Iran. After earning his medical degree, he emigrated to the United States, where he completed his residency at Englewood Hospital & Medical Center in New Jersey.

Like many IMGs, the early part of his career involved intense adaptation: licensing exams, language barriers, cultural shifts, and proving himself in a new healthcare environment. But rather than seeing these hurdles as obstacles, he viewed them as the foundation of his strength.

“That journey gave me a kind of empathy I carry with me every day,” he says. “It’s why I care so deeply about helping others through it.”

A Career of Leadership and Influence

Over the past two decades, Dr. Shervin Mortazavi has established himself as a respected physician leader in the Bronx. He currently serves as the Director of the Nursing and Rehabilitation Division at Essen Healthcare and the Director of Post-Acute Care Services at BronxCare Hospital. In addition, he teaches medical students and residents as a Clinical Instructor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

His leadership has extended beyond the clinic walls. As former President of The Bronx County Medical Society and a previous Chairman of its Legal Medicine Committee, Dr. Mortazavi has influenced health policy and professional development at the county and state levels. His public service has earned him recognition from the New York State Governor, the Mayor of New York City, and the United States Congress.

Despite his accolades, Dr. Shervin Mortazavi remains grounded in what he calls “the real work”: helping others move forward.

The Match Matters — And So Does Mentorship

Each year, thousands of IMGs apply to residency programs in the U.S. While many boast excellent training, diverse experience, and strong academic records, many fail to match due to unfamiliarity with the system — especially the residency interview.

Dr. Mortazavi sees this not as a problem with the applicants, but with the lack of accessible guidance.

“Being a good doctor isn’t enough,” he explains. “You need to know how to present yourself in a way that aligns with what programs are looking for.”

To that end, he offers mentorship to IMG applicants, helping them prepare for interviews, strengthen their résumés, and understand the U.S. medical culture. From coaching them on how to answer tough questions to reviewing personal statements and mock interviews, Dr. Mortazavi equips his mentees with both strategy and confidence.

He also helps candidates adjust their communication style — guiding them to be assertive without arrogance, humble but not uncertain, and culturally fluent enough to build trust in the interview room.

More Than Coaching — A Philosophy of Empowerment

Dr. Mortazavi doesn’t view his mentorship as transactional. For him, it’s about empowerment.

“Most of these physicians are already qualified,” he says. “My job is to help them believe it — and to help residency programs see it too.”

He encourages IMGs to lean into their global experiences and turn perceived disadvantages into unique strengths. He challenges them to see themselves not as outsiders trying to get in, but as contributors with valuable skills and perspectives.

Many of his mentees have gone on to match into competitive specialties, excel in fellowships, and take on leadership roles of their own. They often credit Dr. Mortazavi with helping them unlock something they couldn’t find on their own — a sense of agency.

Looking Toward 2026 and a New Generation of Global Physicians

As the 2026 residency match cycle unfolds, Dr. Mortazavi believes the moment is ripe for change. With increasing physician shortages and a growing demand for culturally competent care, IMGs are more essential than ever to the future of U.S. healthcare.

But that future requires preparation.

“We need to ensure that talented international doctors aren’t left behind because they didn’t know how to play the game,” he says. “They deserve a seat at the table — and they’ve earned it.”

He continues to mentor dozens of applicants each year, hosting seminars, giving lectures, and offering one-on-one support to those who reach out. His message remains consistent: preparation is power, and confidence is the currency that unlocks opportunity.

The Legacy of One Leader

For all his accomplishments, what defines Dr. Shervin Mortazavi is not his title or credentials — but his willingness to give back.

He doesn’t see IMGs as competitors in an already saturated field. He sees them as reinforcements — doctors who bring strength, resilience, and global insight to a system that needs it more than ever.

“When you help a doctor succeed,” he says, “you help thousands of patients receive better care. That’s the multiplier effect of mentorship.”

For the international graduates who walk into interviews feeling ready — finally ready — it’s often because someone like Dr. Mortazavi stood behind them.

And for U.S. medicine, the ripple effect is just beginning.

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About Dr. Shervin Mortazavi
Dr. Shervin Mortazavi is a board-certified Internist based in Bronx, New York. He serves as Director of the Nursing and Rehabilitation Division at Essen Healthcare and Director of Post-Acute Care Services at BronxCare Hospital. He is a Clinical Instructor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, past President of The Bronx County Medical Society, and has received honors from the New York State Governor, New York City Mayor, and the U.S. Congress. A mentor to International Medical Graduates, he is dedicated to helping global physicians thrive in the U.S. medical system.