There’s no doubt about it, the match can be a very stressful process. Not only do you have to determine what program offers the best opportunities for you and how you fit in with that program, but you also have to determine where you want to live for the next 1-2 years. It’s pretty incredible though when you look back at the sequence of events that had to happen to get to that point:
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Determining what programs you’re applying to
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Filling out PhORCAS application(s)
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Writing letters of intent
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Requesting letters of recommendation
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Scheduling and preparing for interviews
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Flying/driving hundreds of miles to interviews
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Interviewing
Finally, after all of that you’re rewarded with an enormous decision and a 50% stake in deciding where you’ll be at next year. And then you wait for 2 weeks!
Truth be told, I wouldn’t trade it for the world though! It is a long, daunting process, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things that you’ll ever experience. To be able to put that much time and effort into something and be rewarded with a residency spot at a program that you matched with is pretty awesome. I give even more credit to those who are still scrambling and having to adapt from their original plans to find somewhere completely new.
Don’t let the process discourage you from applying to residency programs. If anything, use it to help prepare you for future challenges and obstacles. Like the old saying goes, if it was easy everyone would be doing it.
I was fortunate enough to match with the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and will be completing a PGY1/PGY2 Administrative Residency over the next two years. I’ve been looking forward to this opportunity for a long time and I’m very excited to start this new journey. Next up, graduation and NAPLEX/Boards! Best of luck to those who are scrambling and congratulations to all of you that were able to match with residency programs this past week!
#PharmacyStudents #Residency #PhORCAS