Hello!
Match week 2019 is finally upon us. After 4 long years filled with endless amounts of studying, a ridiculous number of exams, clinical rotations, and residency interviews, I'm proud to say that I will officially become an OB-Gyn!
Becoming a doctor has been a dream of mine since I was 4 years old (yes, really). Medical school has definitely been difficult, but I never truly doubted my ability to actually achieve this dream until I started to apply for residencies this past fall. My friends will tell you that I'm crazy for making that statement, but let me explain myself. I consider myself an average applicant for the field of OB-Gyn. My step 1 score is right on average for past OB-Gyn applicants. I made Honors and High Passes in almost all my courses but was not high achieving enough to qualify for AOA*. I had a good number of volunteer experiences and a handful of leadership experiences. I participated in research but was never able to publish anything. Overall, I felt I checked all the boxes and had many meaningful experiences that I could talk about on the interview trail. Now, you may be thinking, "You're definitely crazy! All of that sounds amazing!" The reasons why I continue to insist I'm an average applicant are because my step 1 score is average and the field of OB-Gyn is becoming more and more competitive. Theoretically, I interviewed and ranked enough programs, but you can just never be sure especially after having met so many amazing applicants who were interviewing at top-notch programs on the interview trail. Regardless, by the grace of God, I have matched to an OB-Gyn residency position!
I'll find out where I will be training on Match Day on Friday, March 15th. Keep a look out for that announcement. I also still plan on writing more blog posts about my residency application and interview experience. I've been holding off because it didn't feel right to give you all my perspective and advice without knowing if it actually worked for me!
To any fellow MS4s reading this: congrats if you've matched as well! If not and you're currently going through SOAP, just remember that this experience doesn't define you. You are an amazing and successful individual who has reached an education level that only 1% of the world's population have also achieved. There is a reason for everything and just trust that there is a reason for your current struggles, a plan for your life, and many people who love you.
Much love and talk to you all again soon!
*Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) is a national medical school honor society. Members are the highest achieving students in their respective medical school classes and chosen based on basic science and clerkship grades.
