#Scramble2022 is just beginning. Although it didn't I haven't been successful, here's some advice that others that have been shared with me
1. Email programs ASAP and try to get on them on the phone tomorrow if possible.
It's after hours now so just take deep breaths until AM
2. Reach to mentors, colleagues, your school, ANYONE that can advocate on your behalf -- they will be your biggest resource and support at this time
3.Have your LOR writers ready to email when needed. Have them update it, signed, everything and ready to send at a minute's notice
4. New programs and spots open up between now and July as they get accreditation or someone drops the contract - use any sites such as residency swap, inforesidency, or @UnmatchedMD to find these lists.
You can get new program lists from ACGME's site
5. Update your CV! There may be new experiences you were unable to add to your ERAS application that you can add to your CV and send when needed
6. Download your Personal Statements and ERAS application so you can send it whenever you get wind of an opening and the contact info
7. Ask your school for an digital copy of your MSPE and even transcript so you don't have to it on hand ready to go
And MOST IMPORTANTLY
8. BREATHE! This is a stressful process. It's hectic, frustrating, and can really affect your mental health. Make sure you are going through the grieving process if you need to and you are TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF
When I applied for my ERAS token in July 2021, I was in bed for almost 2 weeks because I knew what lay ahead of me. The only reason I got out of bed was to go to work at the urgent care I was with in MO or volunteer with COVID-19 vaccine clinics.
I didn't do anything but sleep..
I barely got out of bed to eat. I was just so depressed. Then, one day I realized I was wasting my time feeling like this.
I decided I was going to give #Match2022 my best shot, and if it didn't work out? I was DONE. This chapter would be over...
And I have to say, when I didn't Match on Monday and decided I was not going to #SOAP2022 I was literally relieved.
Because I had been practicing for the past 6mo in Missouri! I was not a failure, the system had failed me.
-US-IMG with tons of USCE
-ECFMG cert + Step 3
-3yrs research with pubs
-working with CDC
-have AP license in MO and worked in urgent care and primary care
-co-founded @ASP__org because frustrated with this system
J1 visas for Residency applicants are a cultural exchange program - they were never meant to train more physicians to practice in the US.
I believe we need to make a separate system for J1 visa applicants from the Main Match - and here are my reasons why.
Every year, thousands of applicants apply for residency. IMGs (both US citizens and non) must apply for certification deeming them eligible for residency.
Here's the number of applicants certified each year. Since 2005, it's been relatively stable at ~10K.
Over the same time course, the number of approved J1 visas has essentially doubled in 10 years.
And that should be fine - if more non-US citizens are applying, of course we need to issue more visas.