Doctor from the Dominican Republic brings neurology expertise to Illinois
When Johan joined his wife in the U.S. in the spring of 2019, he found himself in a bind. He was overqualified for most jobs but unable to secure work in his profession. Despite having a medical degree from the Dominican Republic, he initially worked at a fast-food restaurant.
“For me, it was like a stepping stone for something better. It helped me be more humble and know people from other backgrounds. It even helped me with my English skills,” he remembers. “If you’re doing dishes, you have to do it like you’re the best dishwasher in the world.”
He later moved into a caregiving position, which allowed him to reconnect with the healthcare field, although in a different capacity. Still, Johan knew he was destined for more, but he needed a path back to his true calling — neurology.
After earning his doctorate in 2014, he witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of neurological diseases like Guillain-Barré syndrome during the Zika virus outbreak in the Dominican Republic. Johan always knew that he wanted to be part of the solution.
Career guidance through Upwardly Global
It was in the summer that Johan found the resource that would change his trajectory: Upwardly Global. Through their programs, he was introduced to Tamar, a career coach who provided unwavering support and guidance.
“Tamar was so cheerful and resourceful. She invested her time in me, always willing to check in and help whenever I needed it,” he says. Their first meeting was a turning point. “I told her my goals, that I wanted to get a job in the medical field. For me, this was a big opportunity, and I took it seriously.”
Johan immersed himself in Upwardly Global’s training resources, watching videos and practicing interview techniques with volunteers.
A breakthrough job in the medical field
With Tamar’s guidance, he applied for a medical assistant position at a neurology clinic near his home in central Illinois and landed the job. For Johan, this was the bridge he needed to get back into medicine.
“The clinic staff was amazing, and the neurologists were so eager for me to apply to be in neurology,” he recalls. “One of them gave me a letter of recommendation that I could use for my residency application, which is amazing.”
It was perfect timing — he landed the recommendation just weeks before the residency application deadline in the fall of 2022.
Matching with his first choice
Johan’s hard work, persistence, and Upwardly Global’s support culminated in a moment he could hardly believe — he matched with his top-choice residency program at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center with the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria.
This crucial step will allow him to continue specialized training in neurology, and once his residency is complete, he will earn full, independent licensure as a physician in the U.S. For Johan, this means becoming a doctor once again.
“When I saw the email, I had to read it five or six times. I kept asking myself, ‘Is this real?’ I was overwhelmed with joy,” says Johan. “This was my first choice, and I couldn’t believe I had actually matched there. I loved the mentorship, the clinical exposure, and the diversity of cases. This was exactly what I had been looking for.”
Using his skills to give back
For international healthcare professionals living in the U.S., it often takes multiple years, thousands of dollars, and incredible persistence to earn medical licensure a second time.
“I know firsthand what people from other countries go through,” he says. “I really believe that what you guys [at Upwardly Global] do has a purpose, and it yields results. I’m one of them.”
Now, Johan is nearly two years into his residency program and is set to graduate in 2027. He is also driven to give back to the immigrant community and plans to volunteer at Upwardly Global to guide other job seekers like himself.
“I’m really thankful and grateful for Upwardly Global and the work that you guys do,” says Johan. “It definitely pays off.”