5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Applying to Residency

Residency application season is here: not the official deadline to apply, but definitely the time period to prepare those applications. I am so grateful to have matched this past year. As you all are aware, there were indeed some blemishes (read craters) on my record. And I am absolutely emphasizing “were” because those experiences do not follow you to residency! The past is there. I am here. In a previous post, I shared tips on how to match with less competitive stats. For today’s blog post, there are several things I wish I had known prior to applying. As always, I am sharing them with all of you, especially my non-trads! Keep reading for more information that could assist you in your match journey.

Interviewers and programs are not as obsessed with your scores as you think. Y’all. I noticed this in every single interview. So many administrators from my school tried to convince me my STEP 1 score was the end all be all of my career. I knew otherwise because I know God. He has the final say. Interviewers asked me predominately about my long-term goals, mission trips, research, and affinity toward Women’s Health. The very few number of people who did mention my STEP 1 score did so almost indirectly and kept the conversation surrounding it super short. Go into those interviews confidently! Try your best not to have any academic blemishes on your mind and certainly don’t bring them up unless they do. If the discussion arises, answer the questions concisely, state what you learned, and get back to how the experience makes you a better candidate and doctor. Harp on the positive always. You are so much more than a score and the programs know that!

Visit residency programs prior to applying. I had no idea you could do this until my friend and colleague told me. I so wish I had known before I moved to Martha’s Vineyard because I absolutely would have done this. Especially since interviews will probably be virtual again this year, visiting programs in person is a great way to show interest and set yourself apart from the rest of the applicant pool. Yes, y’all. Email program directors and assistants. Let them know of your interest. Request the tour. Do this for as many programs as you like/feel comfortable.

You can create your own path no matter where you match. I really (thought I) wanted to match into OB/GYN. I ended up matching in Family Medicine. However, I was very clear during interviews—and even more so after matching—that my end game is to practice Women’s Health. I even had 2 phone calls with the Program Director and Assistant Program Director to let them know about my goals. They arranged for me to have my OB rotation early on in my schedule and made a Family Medicine OB my advisor. I am on track to practice the kind of medicine I want even though I did not match into the specialty I thought I needed. Why? Because I opened my mouth and asked. I was very blunt and forthcoming. The program knows and they are going to help me achieve my dreams. I also let them know I have had a very long path, do not want to do a fellowship, and need to get everything I need in 3 years. The chief told me to express those sentiments just like that. I did. Again, we are on the same page. No surprises. And y’all, God knows what He is doing. I LOVE the fact that I am doing a 3 year program and nothing longer. Your girl has experienced real life and freedom during gap year and let me tell you there is more to life than the forewalls of a hospital. God knows where I am in life now (as opposed to years ago when I wanted my life to revolve around the hospital) and is providing what I need going forward.

Be flexible and ready to move. So many say the match works out in students’ favor and most will get their first choice. That is not always the case. I know even competitive applicants who did not end up where they thought they should have or would have. I certainly did not think I would actually end up in NYC; not with only 1 out of 8 interviews in this city lol. But here I am. Be flexible and embrace the journey and education. And seriously, do not give high ranks to programs you have no interest in moving for. I am ok with moving to NYC, but imagine if I had ranked another location I really don’t want to live in even higher? Nope!

Save your coins. There are so many unforeseen costs with starting residency: moving costs, new apartment costs (first and last month’s rent, apartment application fee), certifications, fingerprinting, etc. There are a lot of things I had to pay for and did not know about. I thank God for my gap year job so I could afford it all. Again, God knows what He’s doing. The final loan disbursement for most med students is in January of the graduating year. Save, but know there are additional (usually private) loans out there to assist. One Main Financial is a great option I personally had to use in the past. You also may consider a part-time job in your downtime.

*Bonus:

Ensure your programs of interest qualify for the 10 year Public Service Loan Forgiveness program .

Ask your programs of interest if their residents are part of a union. I had no clue my program offers that and there are perks! Do you know what it’s like to be ASKED if you’ll be taking a holiday off…in training…in medicine? Or to be notified you get a day off for every holiday you do have to work? I got a 3 day weekend after my first two days of work lol! Ask the question about unions.

I hope this helps, y’all. Just know that you CAN. I’m so proud of you for making it thus far. You will continue to succeed. Just watch!

xx,

Photos by Dadou Studios

Preset by Tina Smith