Pre-Match US Residency

You're embarking on an exciting journey with pre-match programs, and while there may be some stigma surrounding them, it's important to remember the power lies within you. Let's break it down and boost your spirits!

First off, let's toss those pros and cons of pre-match versus match out the window. Why? Because you are unique and exceptional, and those generic statements just don't apply to you. One claim floating around is that pre-match candidates are less likely to secure fellowship positions. But hold on a second! Where's the systematic review or consensus from the experts to back that up? It's nowhere to be found. So, let's brush that aside and focus on what truly matters.

You, my friend, have a wealth of talent and knowledge. Your impressive achievements in ABIM/Step 3 and those strong Letters of Recommendation from your PD and attending physicians speak volumes about your credibility. You don't need the name of an institution or hospital to validate your worth. You're a kickass individual standing tall on your own merits! Remember, prestige is like the icing on a cake—it's delightful when it's there, but even without it, you're still amazing and capable of achieving great things. You've got your own back, and that's what truly counts.

Now, let's address the competition you encountered during your interview trails. You met incredible candidates, and the stakes were high. But guess what? As long as you have the willingness to learn and grow, you can thrive in any place you find yourself. Your adaptability and determination will be your secret weapons. So, embrace the stiff competition as an opportunity for personal growth and a chance to push your limits. You're up for the challenge!

When I was at NIH in Maryland, where I had a candid conversation with an attending physician. I asked about the odds of getting into prestigious institutions. He was very direct in answering and I appreciate it till this day.

The most important step for IMGs is to get your foot in the door. The rest will follow. 

Directness is a rare gem, indeed! So, my friend, take that honesty to heart. It's a reminder to be realistic but also to believe in your abilities and dreams. Keep pushing forward with determination, and you'll make your mark wherever you go.

In conclusion, let go of the stigma surrounding pre-match programs and embrace your unique journey. Your incredible skills, accomplishments, and determination are what truly matter. The sky's the limit for you, and no matter where you end up, you have the power to make a significant impact. Believe in yourself, keep that indomitable spirit burning bright, and remember that you're destined for greatness. Best of luck on your residency adventure, my motivated and unstoppable friend!

Sense & Sensibility 

Take a look at your rank list. Rank them now, even if you haven't visited the hospital. Try to consider the pre-match program and see where it falls in the rankings.

Numbers 1, 2, and 3 are like Olympic winners standing on the stage. You're already on the stage, so does the height of the standing stool really matter in the context of residency matching? No, it doesn't. Lump your number 1, 2, and 3 into one box, and number 4 into another box. If the pre-match program falls into either of those boxes, go for it!

But what if you rank it as 5 or 6?

Well, that depends on how much you desire to be in the top 4. What motivates you to aim for numbers 1-4? Will choosing number 5 cause daily heartache in your life, especially if it means being away from your family? Are you willing to take the risks involved? Consider what is at stake—your time, your finances, or even your mental health (as un-matching can take a toll on it). This brings us to the final point in this post.

P.S.: If you rank the pre-match program in your last 3, you already know what to do. :)

Addressing Your Fears:

For me, when I received the offer from Bronx, I was 25 years old, single, and burdened with student debt and no income. I was afraid of having to invest another five-figure sum in the matching process. Personally, I didn't believe I had the strength to go through it all over again. However, I am incredibly fortunate to have my mother's unwavering support. She summed it up beautifully:

"You can spend the year earning whatever money you need for the match cycle, work elsewhere, and your problem will be solved. If money is the issue, there are means available for you to overcome it. Use that year to grow and improve yourself. You already have the experience of interviews, and you can plan things much better than the year before. The whole process will actually be smoother and less stressful than the first time. Odds are, you will perform better and match in your desired place."

Now, if your fear doesn't revolve around money and time, are you willing to let go of your ego? Are you willing to experience failure once? Keep in mind that a few weeks after the results are out, no one will care whether you matched or unmatched. Your friends and acquaintances will move on with their lives and forget about this incident. The only person holding you back from moving forward is yourself. There are only two outcomes for you: either you match and feel happy or you unmatch, learn from it, and match successfully the next time.

Either way, your time won't be wasted. When you look at it in the long term, a difference of one or two years doesn't really matter, especially now that life expectancy is reaching into the 80s.

In conclusion:

General statements don't always apply to individuals, so take the notion of "no chance for fellowship" with a grain of salt.

If the pre-match program falls into Pandora's Box 1 or 2, take the deal. The decision you won't regret is the one made without the shadow of your own fears.