Thread by @dorojustin

As we get closer and closer to #MatchDay for #match2022 I have to admit... I don't talk much publicly about NOT matching into #EM last year. It was devastating. But I think it's important that we normalize the conversation around not matching... 🧵1/11

For many, not matching is the ultimate failure coming out of #medschool. Residency placement is what we were working toward. Schools advertise on the backs of their match rate. Being left empty handed after match AND the scramble is a lonely place. You question everything. 2/11

You try for an open categorical, prelim, or transitional spot. Naturally, we're told those are the preferred options. Find a prelim surgery spot, they said—to keep your "procedure skills" up. Find a transitional year or prelim year anywhere. Get an MPH. Not tons of options. 3/11

The SOAP is a pretty terrible process. And once that has come and gone, you may be left floating in the ether. A new physician, sure, but one without a job. I didn't get any real support from my med school. It got dark, and it's really difficult to find options. 4/11

I was lucky in many ways. I had a career before I went to med school, and I had friends and mentors who helped me figure out how to have a productive, educational year outside of clinical medicine. I feel like I've made an impact this year despite not working clinically. 5/11

I have many folks to thank for that (see end of thread), but not everyone is so lucky. Med school graduates have skills other than clinical medicine, and we should be doing a MUCH better job of nurturing those skills. Teach, create research, advocacy work, and so much more. 6/11

If someone doesn't match into their desired specialty, we should be asking what can you contribute or how can you grow rather than shoving them all toward the conventional routes. TRIs, prelims, or an MPH are great for some people, but they may not be for everyone. 7/11

I think it's time for groups that do work for med students like @emresidents @AmerMedicalAssn @AMSANational @Inside_TheMatch to really expand the resources and support to unmatched applicants beyond the conventional. I feel like the system just wants to get you in the churn. 8/11

Again, the publicized options work great for a lot of people. But they aren't the only options. I got creative, and I truly feel I'm a better applicant AND human being after this year. I've learned so much and will be a better physician for it. 9/11

No one will probably read my little thread, but if you do and didn't match, know someone who didn't match, or worry about not matching, please DM me. I've seen every ugly phase of this shitstorm. I want to help others navigate it and share my experience. I got your back. 10/11

And thanks to @hawkvox @willmd911 @Smithers_K @benabo @NOLSedu @HDoode @wilesjm @Sassafrasmc @AdamKellogg_EM and many more for helping me navigate the darkness and thrive despite it this year (even if you didn't realize it). 🍻 to a more successful #MatchDay in 2 weeks. 11/11