What Happens to Medical Students Who Don’t Match?

by Renée Bacher •

The SIU dean of students called those who had not matched to break the news before results were available online. When she got the call, said Matos, “My heart dropped and my first thoughts were a chaotic blend of shock, feeling like a failure, and trying to think clearly enough to form some kind of plan.”

That day she sought guidance from her faculty mentors and online otolaryngology resources. “Some people said a research year is the worst idea and I should do a general surgery year or a transitional year, while others said research would be best.”

Ultimately, Dr. Matos believed the deficiency in her application was her limited experience in otolaryngology and decided to invest her time in a research year. She deferred graduation until November 2021 for the opportunity to do an away rotation at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, and worked on several projects, five of which she published or presented at national conferences. The experience not only made her a more well-rounded applicant, she also believed it allowed her to develop mental fortitude.

The year wasn’t without an emotional downside, however, and Dr. Matos found herself relying on friends, family, and her boyfriend for moral support. At times she felt inadequate. “It was an isolating experience being among the few who didn’t match while all my classmates got to start their intern year,” she said.

When Dr. Matos reapplied to residency programs in 2022, she added internal medicine as a backup, as she enjoyed pulmonary/critical care. She was offered 11 interviews and this time she matched in otolaryngology at SIU, a program she loves.

In retrospect, Dr. Matos appreciates the extra research year for its opportunities to grow in her skills as an otolaryngologist and as a person. “My best advice would be to ask your mentors if they think your chances are good based on your application and if they’ll support you through the process,” she said. “If so, put all your effort into whatever path you choose for the year between application cycles.”