Originally posted by jlzp
So, I've matched!
Even though it wasn't my top choice (5th, in fact), where I'm going is acceptable (I don't think the name of the program is important...it's at a decent categorical program at a flagship academic medical center in a metropolitain area) .
I wanted to know- are there people out there that have matched and now are experiencing a "post-match" depression of sorts...similar to making a "big" purchase or buying a house... or is it just me who is a bit disappointed not getting matched at one of my more desired places?
JP
Hi there,
Your post-match blues will be quickly overtaken by the sheer number of things that you have to do to make the transition from medical student to resident. Remember that everything happens for a reason and that there is a reason for everything. Once you start to get to work taking care of patients, you may find that you are happier with your present program than you would have been in your "first choice". If your program is accredited and in the United States, you are going to get good teaching and good experience. (If not, better abandon ship as soon as possible.)
There was something about you that your program felt was good enough for them to rank you highly. You may not have been aware of what you projected but do you really want to train in a program that did not want you in the first place? In the case of your first four choices, they did not rank you high enough for you to have matched there so they probably did not want you in their program. Yes, it is he-- not to be wanted and prized but you will put that behind you and move onto your next challenge. Believe me, the first few weeks of residency are a tough transition time. The buck will stop with you.
Focus on getting all of your business matters in place. You have to find a place to live and there are many things that you need to take care of like car registration and utilities once you have found your new place. You also have to move (in most cases). You need to be totally settled into your new place before you start residency. Once you start residency, you don't have much free time to run around and get things done.
Finally, give yourself some time. I have found that most of this ranking and matching stuff will become less important to you once you get on with patient care. You are about to meet a new group of fellow residents who will become a sort of working family for you as you go through residency. You have the privilege and opportunity to experience thousands of new experiences and challenges. Think of all those pre-med students who would kill to be where you are now. You have made one more step toward completing your goal!!
You have to finish fourth-year and you have to graduate. The period after graduation and before you start residency is one of the best times to be an MD/DO. Go to the beach or read some trashy novels. You are a doc and you are a resident now. Do some mindless stuff and start working out in the gym. Have some fun and congratulations on getting through the match!
njbmd
