IMG Residency Roadmap (AI Powered)

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  App landing page with title and introduction

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  User profile summary after entering information

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  AI-generated personalized residency roadmap

Inspiration:

Every year, thousands of talented International Medical Graduates (IMGs) struggle to navigate the complex and stressful U.S. residency application process. Many fail not because they lack ability, but because they lack guidance, a clear timeline, and realistic financial planning. As an IMG myself, I saw firsthand how confusing, lonely, and expensive the journey can be, wasted applications, unnecessary courses, or extra attempts can cost thousands of dollars. I wanted to create a tool that feels like having a personal mentor, providing precise steps, deadlines, and resources to help every IMG reach their dream more confidently and cost-effectively.

What it does:

IMG Residency Roadmap is an AI-powered web app that guides users through each critical step, from USMLE exams to US clinical experiences, application strategies, interview preparation, and much more. It dynamically updates recommendations based on each user’s progress and specialty goals. Resources like study materials, video tips, and strategy articles are integrated at each step to help users avoid costly mistakes, unnecessary delays, and improve their match chances. It’s the first all-in-one app designed to guide IMGs through the entire U.S. residency application journey, from the first preparation steps to starting residency, so they can access everything they need in one place, save money, and feel supported every step of the way.

How we built it:

I built the web app frontend using React on Bolt.new (deployed via Netlify), the backend with Node.js/Express (deployed via Render), and integrated the OpenAI API for AI-powered roadmap generation. I used Tailwind CSS for UI design, added confetti animations and progress timelines to enhance the user experience, and designed the roadmap logic to be dynamically customized through backend prompts. Throughout the process, I leveraged tools like ChatGPT to iterate faster, refine prompts, and improve the overall design and functionality.

Challenges we ran into:

The biggest challenge was designing flexible AI prompts that adapt to different user profiles (e.g., different specialties, scores, experience gaps). Integrating real-time feedback and ensuring a smooth, visually engaging frontend also required multiple iterations. I overcame these by refining backend logic, adding progressive messages, and continuously testing usability.

Accomplishments that we're proud of:

I successfully built an end-to-end personalized roadmap generator in just a few weeks, implemented dynamic progress tracking, integrated AI for tailored strategies, and designed an intuitive, motivating interface with smooth animations and confetti to celebrate milestones.

What we learned:

I learned that it is possible to build a fully tailored app for IMGs from scratch, even starting without deep technical knowledge. I discovered that using Bolt.new and React makes it feasible to create dynamic, AI-powered tools that guide applicants step by step. Most importantly, I realized that with the right approach, I can turn a confusing process into a clear, supportive experience for IMGs worldwide.

What's next for IMG Residency Roadmap - AI Powered:

I plan to expand the logic to include match success probability estimations, integrate additional resources (such as video tutorials and feedback tools like mock interviews and personal statement reviews), and eventually develop a fully dedicated mobile app. I also want to build community features so IMGs can support each other during the journey.

Built With

• bolt.new
• express.js
• netlify
• node.js
• openai-api
• react
• render
• supabase
• tailwind-css
• typescript