What To Do If You Did Not Get a Residency Match

Ten Ideas to Create a Solid Plan B

You’ve worked hard in medical school. You performed well during your clerkships and invested money and time in applying to and interviewing for a good number of residency programs.

But you didn’t get matched!

The news is heart wrenching. You feel disappointed. You are panicked with mounting student medical school loans, and you have no job.

You are not alone. Every year, several thousand medical student graduates do not match with a residency program.

There are several common reasons why some medical students don’t match:

1. They did not perform well on a particular test or exam.

2. They chose a highly competitive specialty.

3. They have a gap in their training.

4. They do not interview well.

5. They are an international medical student.

6. There were red flags in their application or clerkship, such as failed coursework, repeating any part of their training, or disciplinary action.

What might you consider doing if you don’t match?

1. Participate in the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) to try to secure an unfilled residency position. There are three SOAP rounds during match week.

2. Consider applying for a preliminary year program, which is a transitional year that can help you gain additional clinical experience and improve your chances of matching in the future.

3. Look into alternative pathways to obtain training, including the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program or the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program, which provide funding for medical education in exchange for a commitment to work in underserved areas.

4. Consider applying for international residency programs, which may have less competition and provide the opportunity to gain valuable international experience.

5. Take a year off to gain additional clinical experience through volunteer work, research, or other opportunities.

6. Consider applying to a different specialty if you are open to exploring other areas of medicine.

7. Look into post-graduate training programs, such as fellowships or research positions, which can provide additional training and enhance your CV.

8. Consider working as a medical scribe or in a non-clinical role in the health care field to gain additional experience and exposure to the industry.

9. Explore opportunities in other fields, such as pharmaceuticals, public health, or health care consulting, which may be of interest to you.

10. Consider retaking the USMLE exams or completing additional coursework to improve your scores and increase your chances of matching in the future.

Not matching when you dreamed of becoming a physician is devastating. Take some time for self-care and find a support system with friends and family members to offer support and guidance. Remember, this is a temporary setback. Be proactive in seeking out opportunities that help make your dreams come true.