Match

Hours later I was still shaking, and I think I have yet to absorb it all.

Match day is kind of a big deal for medical students, and schools, and residency programs. At the same moment across the country (and the world actually), every medical student who will do a residency in the US finds out where they will be receiving their next 3-7 (or more) years of training. This is after a pretty lengthy and intense application, interview, and ranking process.

Pre-Match Day Retreat, 2011

The day before the match, we had a retreat to reflect on what medical school did to us. It was organized by the Gold Humanism Honor Society, a group of peers chosen for this honor by their classmates for their demonstrated excellence in clinical care, leadership, compassion and dedication to service. I am honored to be part of this group, and was very involved in planning the retreat. We had a huge turnout of students and got great feedback, which I consider a success. Many students invited physicians they admire to facilitate some small group discussions and we had amazing speakers including Dr. Rose Quirk, Dr. Ruth Westra, Dr. Tom MacKenzie, and a favorite standardized patient, Rich. It was great catching up with classmates and a wonderful transition to the next day’s activities.

Mom and Dad during breakfast, pre-chaos

On Thursday, March 17 University of Minnesota medical students invited family to join them at the McNamara Alumni Center for breakfast and the envelope-opening chaos to commence at 11:00 CST. I was not a bit nervous leading up to the day. I had put in my rank list 2 months earlier and was convinced I would be happy at any of my top choices. But the moment I was about to open my envelope it hit me, the significance of what I was about to see. This moment was going to tell me where I will live for the next 3 years, and the training I receive over that time will likely influence the rest of my career. And…it hit me that I really AM going to be a doctor, and soon!

Hometown friend and fellow graduating medical student, Cory, and I
staring at our envelope-laden table, waiting for some kind of signal

As we realize others are already opening, we start reaching...

Really? Can I open it?

Okay, stalling...pose for one more picture

My friend Justin waiting to see my reaction

And I surprise myself with a little squeal when I see my match

Showing Dad

My friend Katie is in Finland, with no internet access, so her dad opens her envelope and we call a random phone in Finland to give her the news

The map, showing where our classmates are headed

Match Night Party at the W Hotel,
celebrating with friends Christine, Maiken, and Katie

Some pictures of Ventura from my interview!
This is in December, no less.
Who wants to help me move?!