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Just gonna start writing this. Let's see if I'm able to hit that "Tweet all" button.
I have a story. This is for those Med Students who feel that they are in a dark place tonight. I want you to know that I'm here for you. I may not know you, but I know how you feel. (Thread)
I have a story. This is for those Med Students who feel that they are in a dark place tonight. I want you to know that I'm here for you. I may not know you, but I know how you feel. (Thread)
Little known secret. I didn't match either. I was on my 4th year Sub-I in the ICU. 11:51am. 10 years ago. 2/ 
The residents on service could see it on my face. They sent me home for the day. Back then, the next step was the "scramble" which occurred 2 days later. 3/
The med school offices were cleared out that day so that all my peers and I could use the computers and fax machines. It was me "the loser" and my classmates who got into their "competitive" residencies, just not the "uber-competitive" transitional year. 4/
I reached out to 11 unfilled spots, one of which was at an institution where I had interviewed at (ouch). 5/
By 4pm, I was emotionally spent. I had talked to a bunch of programs but I hadn't receive a single offer. 6/
The Dean came by and asked how I was doing. I was an emotional wreck. We talked about what I loved about medicine. We talked about what motivated me. He listened and thought a long time. 7/
He told me to come with him. So I packed up my stuff and walked across campus into one of the hospitals and took the elevators to the Med-Peds program administrative offices. 8/
There he introduced me to the PD and said, "You guys should talk." 9/
Apparently, this was one of his first years as PD and the first time that he had an unmatched spot too. He had been having a bad day as well. 10/
We talked for several hours. We talked about the horrible day we both had. We talked about how I didn't apply to medicine or peds or Med-Peds. He asked if I would leave if given a second chance at the specialty I applied for (answer = ¯\_(ツ)_/¯). We talked about everything. 11/
He excused himself for a few minutes to check on a previous issue and I was left alone in a conference room to think. I felt better. But still uncertain. 12/
When he returned, he told me that the conversation that we had was the most honest one that he had all day.
I was offered the spot and the rest was history. 13/
I was offered the spot and the rest was history. 13/
I was welcomed into the Med-Peds family and never looked back.
I was never the smartest resident or the most efficient.... But, I tell you, I was the HAPPIEST. 14/
I was never the smartest resident or the most efficient.... But, I tell you, I was the HAPPIEST. 14/
Now, 10 years later (including 2 board certifications, 4 years active duty military, 6.5 years teaching in academic medicine, multiple teaching awards, and a few podcasts), I still LOVE what I do. I have the best job in the world. 15/
I tell this story because I want to give you HOPE. All is not lost. There is opportunity out there. Take it. You just don't know where it will lead you. PM me if you want to talk. I'm here for you. Fin/
