My medical journey is full of layers lately. I’ve been writing about elective rotations and board exams, but meanwhile something big is happening. I’m applying to residencies, I’m traveling to interviews, 4th year is more than half over, and graduation is getting real. It’s difficult to include all these life layers, but as I begin my residency interviews, I realize a big update is in order.
The Match
For my non-medical friends and family, I usually need to explain “the Match” process more than once. In part, it is because I don’t completely understand the detailed process myself. In September, I registered with two online websites, one for my residency application and the other for my match. I completed my application, submitted it to programs and received interview invitations. In January, I will use the match website to rank the programs where I interviewed.
Then, on “Match Day” (March 16th 1pm), I will get an envelope with one residency program match inside. The match algorithm is akin to Harry Potter’s Sorting Hat.* It intelligently, and mysteriously, divides future physicians amongst limited residency positions based on both student and program preferences. Of note, we also attend a fancy “Match Day” event with an audience, speeches and food (no bewitched night sky though).
Interviews
The interviews are turning out to be more empowering and fun than I thought they woud be. First of all, I got my first suit, and each time I wear it, I see this incredibly sharp person in the mirror. I love the feeling of seeing myself so grown up. Then, there is the balancing act between travels, locations, activities and information, which is daunting but equally empowering. Each interview has involved delicious food, 4-5 actual interviews, lots of socializing with my future colleagues and tours of hospitals and clinics.
I feel like goldilocks,* sampling each porridge, trying to find the one that is “just right!” I simplified my work by scheduling less interviews than most, but still it’s no easy task. I find myself mentally exhausted. The programs and residents are seeing whether applicants are a good fit for their programs too, interviewing about 10-20 applicants for each position available. I try not to think about the odds.
Perhaps the best part of all this, however, is that I am getting to see friends and new places along my route, and I am learning about myself. As I articulate the answers to interview questions and describe my feelings to friends and family, I’ve felt clearer about what I want in residency
As these multiple life layers unfold, I hope for absolute clarity by the end of January! Ha-ha. Does anyone know where I can find a Sorting Hat?!
*I give full credit to my friends, Kara and Ryan, for their clever analogies. Thanks!
All I can say is good luck, Liz!
Yes, Good Luck!! Plus, I love all the analogies. Sorting Hat is wonderful. Goldilocks, as well! I can’t get the image of the sorting hat out of my mind, only it is the Hogwarts teacher and you, in your “grown-up” suit, looking so spiffy!
Best wishes for Ben, also, as your program leads him to a new city as well.
is there someone who sings a sorting hat song on match day??