Intealth® is pleased to announce the winning projects of its 2025/2026 Well-being Grant Opportunity. Building on the success and impact of recent grant cycles, the 2025/2026 program reflects Intealth’s ongoing responsibility as a U.S. Department of State–designated J-1 sponsor to support the health, safety, and welfare of J-1 physicians. The program continues Intealth’s commitment to advancing the well-being of foreign national physicians across the United States. Each project receives up to US$5,000 in funding to develop new approaches that address the unique wellness needs of J-1 physicians.
As in previous years, the current grant cycle attracted a competitive pool of proposals from J‑1 physician-led teams representing a varied selection of specialties, institutions, and perspectives. These submissions highlight the creativity, leadership, and resilience of international medical graduates (IMGs) working within U.S. graduate medical education (GME) programs. Reflecting the organization’s strengthened strategy to supporting the IMG experience, the program is now overseen by recently appointed Senior Vice President and Chief IMG Experience Officer, Catherine Apaloo, MD. Since its 2023 launch, the selection process of the Well-being Grant Opportunity has prioritized potential impact, clarity of objectives, alignment with wellness goals, and long-term sustainability.
The following project teams have been awarded:
- Project Title: “The Wellness Passport: Connecting Cultures and Building Resilience”
- Project Lead: Arushee Bhatnagar, MD
- Group Members: Toni Encinares, MD; Priscilla Goh, MD; Marah Hamdan, MD
- Institutional Mentor: Kristina Sinnott, MD
- Institution: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso/The Hospitals of Providence Transmountain Campus
“Through gamified activities, peer engagement, and cross-cultural exchange, we want to help our peers feel seen, supported, and grounded—no matter where they come from.” – Team for “The Wellness Passport: Connecting Cultures and Building Resilience” project
- Project Title: “J-1 Embrace: Empowerment, Mentorship, Belonging, Resources, Assistance, Community, & Education”
- Project Lead: Youmna Faheem, MD
- Group Members: Merve Arslan Aydin, MD; Edward Lopez, MD
- Institutional Mentor: Molly Broder, MD
- Institution: BronxCare Health System
“By developing a J-1 Toolkit, structured peer mentorship, and targeted educational workshops, BronxCare aims to reduce uncertainty, build community, and ensure that J-1 residents can thrive personally and professionally.” – Team for “J-1 Embrace: Empowerment, Mentorship, Belonging, Resources, Assistance, Community, & Education” project
- Project Title: “ROOTs”
- Project Lead: Nayanika Tummala, MBBS
- Group Members: Swetha Balaji, MD; Franklin Ejeagha, MD; Shirley Perez Anel, MD
- Institutional Mentor: Venkatesh Gondhi, MD
- Institution: New York Medical College/St. Mary’s and St. Clare’s Hospitals
“Our motivation is both personal and professional. We know the realities of stress, burnout, and cultural transition because we have lived them. At the same time, we have seen how peer connection, mentorship, and intentional wellness practices can transform the residency experience.” – Team for “ROOTs” project
Intealth looks forward to supporting the 2025/2026 grant recipients. Watch for project highlights on Intealth’s Well-being Grant Opportunity webpage, news channels, and social media channels this year.
This program is one of several initiatives through which Intealth advances physician well-being and supports J‑1 physicians in delivering compassionate, high‑quality patient care while engaging in meaningful cultural exchange.
Categories: IMGs in U.S., Wellness