Old semi-retired ER doctor here. Don't give up, but be realistic. Your CV won't change greatly with your research year. The residency programs will know what happened. Look at your application and review with any mentors who will be honest and frank with you. What school did you graduate from? What was your ranking? Are you AOA? I think that the commenters giving you false hope are just as bad as the mean ones enjoying your failure.
This is an excellent reply---I would first evaluate your deficiencies in academics, clinical, and research, and see how well those align with your interests in residency. There is a general issue as to whether your applications were based on reaches, or there is an outstanding mis-alignment in your education/skills against your chosen specialty. You have just a few short months to see what you can do to remediate those areas. I would then focus your efforts 100% on medicine. In the next round, the questions will arise as to how you managed this year. Coming up with a plan, sticking to that plan with laser focus, and being honest about where you were and how you've learned from the situation will go a long way. This next statement may sting a bit, but do you think there could be any questions as to your commitment to medicine vis a vis being a youtube influencer? I would really want to know whether the incoming housestaff are going to be there to keep the traffic moving. You've got a short runway to take off and best to make these short months count! Best of luck!
Don’t know why this video got recommended to me but it did today. This is good advice however coming from a Residency Program Manager who has screened well over 10k applications for highly competitive specialties I always tell unmatched people to do one thing. Contact the programs you applied to regardless of getting an interview or not. Rarely will they respond but if they do they will give you the best advice on your application over anyone else. This way you can set reasonable expectations on whether this path is even attainable for you. Also yes I’ve had those not so fun conversations with applicants letting them know that their chances were nonexistent and they need to set their sights on something else. Why do I do that?Because I have a lot of empathy for people in this situation and that is by far the kindest thing to do. When asked I almost always will give them several notes of advice or weak points in their application. I’ve done this countless times and I cannot remember ever listing research on application recommendations.
I had cancer and then tried to get back into the work world and no one would hire me because of a 2-year gap in my resume and my age. Guess what, I am starting my own business and I am passionate about what I am doing for the first time in my life. Never, ever give up. Ever!
That is INSANE. Work culture is so toxic we don’t give grace to humans for being human. Gap years being scrutinized like that is ridiculous. Maybe someone was ill, taking care of themselves or family and figuring out life. What should matter is the person got their application and skills together and are actively trying to rejoin the workforce.
As a fellowship-trained anesthesiologist, I’m going to be honest and give you some tough love. This is not me being demeaning, but trying to keep you from making some terrible mistakes. - Residency will never get less competitive. More medical schools are being created and admission numbers increase but residency spots are still the bottleneck. If you seriously let a year go by without practicing, what is going to make you a better candidate next year. Your chances of successfully matching decrease with each year out from residency - Whoever advised you to only apply to plastics without some form of surgery prelim year as a backup led you down a poor path. - a buddy of mine did general surgery residency, plastics fellowship, and now he’s doing phenomenal. If plastics is what you truly want to do, then you should be willing to go whatever path it takes to reach it. Your chances of achieving plastics via that route is much higher than directly matching. - Medicine is no different than other industries, who you know makes a difference. If you’re doing your prelim year and you’re kicking ass, you’re making connections and meeting people in residency programs that hold power, that helps your chances immensely. - If it was me, I would do a surgery prelim year. Get some research publications in plastics under my belt, network with important people and go the extra mile when possible to do things around their program. And reapply the following year. - If you simply choose to sit out and just reapply next year, you are demonstrating the exact reason why you didn’t match in the first place. If you really wanted it, you’d take whatever path was required to reach your dream. If you do not practice medicine this year or dramatically try and improve your application, next years interviews will produce a similar result. I don’t want to come off as an asshole. I think you have what it takes to succeed, but you need to develop a little grit. Remember, anything worth having is worth working hard for.
Hard disagree. Nearly every plastics program director I've spoken to or heard from at conferences has emphasized the importance of research now that step 1 is P/F. Attending conferences and being productive with faculty at her research institution is how she will get to know people. Doing a research year is very far from just sitting out and waiting to reapply. But also I don't know the details of her app. If she already had a decent # of pubs but mediocre grades and letters, then maybe a prelim year would be better. But if it's a case where she's at a school w/o a home program then doing research at a place with a home program can be very beneficial and help her possibly match there.
yeah hard disagree as well. i do agree having a surgery prelim as a back up is important but i do think getting a research year at a well recgonized institution andd then doing a prelim is also a great option. I am speaking from experience from the research year side of things, an orthopedic resident at a top 40 program USMD
Wish I could give you a big hug, my son did not match in residency for radiology and that was a tough tough time for him and for al of us. So as a parent I know what you have had to go through to get to this point and then to get that email is devastating. Thank you for your vulnerability in sharing, my son felt so alone when all his friends matched and he didn't. Such a rough time. I hope you will continue to share your journey and keep us updated on how things are going, I think it will be encouraging for others who are going through the same thing.
Hey Sarah. I was in a similar position many years ago. I applied orthopedic surgery knowing I wasn't very competitive, and didn't get many interviews. I ended up not matching and took a prelim surgery year at my home program. Ended up deciding surgery wasn't for me and now I am about to graduate from a radiology residency and I am so much happier than I would have been in surgery. It sucks when you don't match and you feel absolutely horrible, but I think in the long run we all end up where we are meant to be. And in the long run you will get what you want if you work hard and these days will just be memories.
For anyone who is applying to a competitive specialty such as Plastic Surgery, you MUST ALWAYS DUAL APPLY. If you have the scores for Plastic Surgery, you could easily match into General Surgery and then go into a Fellowship. I just have a hard time to understand why you chose not doing so; SOAPing into General Surgery is definitely not an option since all the spots have already been filled. However you still should SOAP into a prelim surgery, especially where they also have Plastic Surgery to get your foot in the door while improve your surgical skills and get PAID. You are so smart but you are so fixated on your goal that you keep making too many mistakes in a row. Every single year that you spend not doing residency is a year of physician's salary lost.
Yes. This is where having physicians in the family (or as close family friends) makes a HUGE difference. These are understandable mistakes made by many first gen doctors due to a lack of understanding of the norms of the field. People with physicians in the family are drilled about this stuff long in advance, to the point where it becomes second nature and "obvious common sense" to them. She will be fine in the longer term, since she will eventually match and become a great physician.
SOAP is done. No sense in beating this dead horse. Should she have soaped into prelim? Yes. I am not denying that. But let's avoid wagging our fingers at this unfortunate young doctor at this point and focus on providing solid advice to help her achieve her goals as you also did by reminding her to dual apply in the next match.
Medical school is not poor students. Unfounded research is crazy. I spent almost 10k with aways and ERAS applications and didn’t match. You’re strong. Keep going.
I am shocked by some of the negative comments on this video. “First generation” attending physician here. Although I recall the advice to apply into a backup specialty and SOAP if unmatched, there ARE people who take research years and ultimately match into competitive specialties on their 2nd try. Sarah, your work ethic comes through in your videos and I applaud you for sharing your story! Clearly you have been successful in the past in many aspects, and past success is the best predictor of future success. I wish you the best of luck in the next year and beyond. I agree with you- everyone’s path is unique & what you choose to do the year after not matching is dependent on your situation / application. Rooting for you!
There are people who do match 2nd try but with how competitive ps is getting every year her chances are incredibly bleak. Less than 200 spots with 90% of spots going to Med school students leaves her with ~20 slots for a chance.
We also are realistic. Having a backup next cycle is key. Very few reapps are successful. I see comments mostly trying to help her solidify a reasonable plan C
Your situation reminds me of when I flunked out of law school. I didn’t know what I was going to do at that point. Decades later, I’m in a consulting career that pays better (and provides a better quality of life) than most lawyer jobs. But, the journey was long, winding, and difficult. I can relate to the gut-punch feeling. I’m on your side. ❤️
I am an RN in SICU in Chicago, we work with a lot of Residents from Rush Medical Center during their ICU rotations. There are Plastic Sugery residents ( on their direct program ), and there are also General Surgery Residents that pursue Plastics during their Fellowship time. Maybe, try Gen Surg first? There might be more openings. Wishing you the best!
I know it doesn't take away from the pain of not matching, but I really appreciate and respect that you've posted your hardships as well. For you and all those who didnt match, I hope you guys get the match of your choice next year.
Thank you for your transparency. Really respect your willingness to share your story. Failure is so hard to deal with, especially in medical school where you're constantly surrounded by high achieving people and are made to feel alone when things don't go as planned. You showing that- 1) failure happens and 2) life keeps going- is really inspiring. Thanks for being so authentic.
Don't give up !! Don't you ever quit in those moments where you feel like it's over , like there's nothing to be done , like it's the end !! Just get through, talk about it , cry , share your experience more , allow yourself to be upset and scared cuz that's the process . dark moments won't last forever, nothing lasts forever , somehow you're gonna figure something out . Hold on !! Hold on . Right when you think it's over , that's when you're blessed with a glimmer of light , a new beginning
I finished an emergency med residency at Stanford over 17 years ago. Today? I practice in Ortho. Everyone is different. Some people are not comfortable with a change in goals or plans. Or moves across country. Or being in situations of chaos. Like a war zone. I craved it. And did all that. What it did for me is make me such a superior professional in almost every way. It forced me to thrive in stressful conditions. It made me learn to empathize better. To love better. And appreciate more. It humbled me. But also made me so much more confident. Some say maybe too much? I’ve been in uncertain times that you find yourself in now. Money uncertainty. Distance issues. Chaos all around me. Difference is I purposely put myself in those situations. But nonetheless. Try to embrace it! It is hard for some personality types. But if you can figure that out. You will be more successful in every area of your life. But also you will be a better person. Most people take the path of least resistance. It’s ok. But you can be more.
I am sorry to hear your disappointment... I am going to pray for you to our Gracious caring God for you.... Just praying for you through this difficult time.....
Stay strong. Don't give up. The world needs people like you, and PLASTIC SURGERGY needs people like you, with your tenacity and authenticity. Just stay on this road and have confidence that you will get there one way or another.
Thank you so much for posting this content. It makes a big difference for those of us earlier in the process to have some sense of the variety of experiences possible down the road!!! I admire your vulnerability and transparency. Sending you good vibes!
The best thing to do in this situation would be to find an investigator with a r01 grant, that way you can write a t35 training grant to cover your salary. It's what I did after not matching and doing a research year. Try to get at least a 2nd author publication and an abstract presentation for the year. Also make sure you check grant application deadlines.
You have a plan, next time though you really really need to apply to back up and prelim spots. They tell you day one the hard specialities will have far more people turned away than accepted so you need to be prepared either way. You can still be a practicing doctor after this, just be prepared for all other options.
Most PD's in general surgery dont look unfavorable on those with an application geared to plastic surgery/ct surgery/ vascular surgery because these are all gen surg related fellowships. Definitely dual apply next year. Find more than one research position than just 1. You want multiple sources of generating manuscripts/abstracts/presentations. Hope thats helpful
Sarah if you can SOAP into a good program then take it instead of doing the research. We as parents of a medical school graduate in 3/2016 have gone through the same painful process and we know no matter what others say it is not easy! We did not even know there was this crazy match thing until we learned our son did not match! Once we learned that we were just as devastated as our son. He had to make a decision what to do next and even went over to South Korea University to attend a short program. Luckily he got a call from a good program to fill up an opened up prelim surgery spot and he took it. After a year of grueling residency he matched in 2017 and for the first time I cried because I was so happy for him! So Sarah take an offer if you get it now! Good luck!
I am rooting for you! Plastics is super competitive, but just do your best and allow yourself grace. At the end of the day tomorrow is not promised for any of us, remember the important things in life :)
you should make a video talking about what led you to becoming a doctor! videos like that are always interesting and also motivating to the creator to remind themselves why they're doing this in the first place.
I appreciate your honesty. I know you aren’t asking for advice but moving across the country with lots of med school debt (even if it isn’t due to pay back yet) and no money, no place to live and zero income for an entire year - that seems dangerous. Is there any other acceptable option for you within the medical structure that’ll allow for you to earn at least a meager salary until you apply again?
I'm in a different country and the process is a lot different but I've tried to get in surgery for the 3rd time and I learnt recently that I won't be able to get in and while it was something that I had accepted and was expecting, the feelings really come rushing back and crush you in the most unpredictable times. Wish you all the best and don't forget your why! You got this! You can do it
I am sorry you didnt match and I cant say I know how you feel because I have never been in your shoes. However you are an amazing being, going through medical school and fighting to be a medical doctor to save lives makes you stand out wherever you are. It shows you are compassionate and a wonderful being and posterity will be so proud of you. It is ok to feel down, it is ok to feel disappointed but that will make you stronger because you will overcome your fear of failure and like the *Phoenix* you will rise from the ashes and soar so high to heights that would scare you. Stay Strong and keep fighting!!!❤❤❤
I didn't even match psychiatry. I am still absolutely devastated and taken by surprise. If anything, I am getting worse. I don't know what to do and I am spiraling. I hope you all are doing better and have bright futures.
I’m so very sorry you’re in this spot! Please be patient and kind with yourself! When I have felt “at the end of my rope,” getting away for even half a day has been magically resetting and healing. If you can, just (literally) take a hike, and/or sit by water, breathe, and just love on yourself for a while. I hope you have people directly in your life to bolster you but even if not, I assure you that You matter and there are people who care about you (even internet strangers like me 😬), and people you haven’t even met yet that are/will be so grateful for You. Congrats on how far you’ve come - you’ve already achieved my dream that I will never be able to reach. How you feel right now is super common and temporary. Keep going! You’re just getting started and there’s sooooooo much good still ahead! 💫😊🙏💗
@@jesstiss222 Even though it is hard to respond, I feel you deserve a big thank you for your kind words. Fortunately I have a wife and son that keep me going. I would be concerned for my safety otherwise. I am trying to take your words to heart and will continue to consider them. I am experiencing a failure to launch at the moment and still feel so raw about it all but will try to move forward and find some hope.
@@Ali-fo4uv It's gotten much more competitive over the past few years. I work at a large hospital and the psych fellowship program has seen a huge increase in applications over the past few years.
@@Ali-fo4uv I go to a top 40 allopathic school in the mountain west. 242 step 1 245 step 2. 6 pubs, none first author but presented, some leadership experiences and VERY good letters. No red flags. Everyone has said I fell through the cracks and I’m anomaly. It’s more competitive than it used to be but middle of the road. Not like plastics, derm, ortho, ENT, etc. but about the same as IM
I’ve never gone to medical school. But I am a post grad who can’t pass my nursing boards! So I know how it feels to not have things go as planned. But this will only make you stronger. Struggles will break you down and build you up again. You got this.
Best of luck to you. Keep an eye out for open gen surg or plastic spots throughout the year. You never know who may drop their spot. You're going to make an incredible doc!
I didn’t match into ophthalmology years ago and I thought it was the end of the world but it wasn’t. In fact, I think it was the best thing that could’ve happened to my career. Internal medicine was my back up and it worked out better than I could’ve ever imagined ✨ So if you’re reading this after not having matched, take heart and know that better days are coming 🤍
Wow in hindsight look how things paid off!! People gave you so much shit on this video (excuse my language) But I just want to say good on you for pushing through and being so honest and raw !!im so proud of you .
Honestly.... doing a surgical prelim year would be better experience for you than a research year. You get surgical experience, get PAID which sounds like is a major factor, and you can do research in a prelim year. I don't know who advised you to do a research year instead but that's bad advice.
Thank you for sharing your insights! I'm applying general surgery as an IMG, and realized that a failed match can kill my confidence. I learned from you that backups are important. I've always been very passionate about my field, and people have recommended I dual apply to other fields (which my application isn't tuned to, and I am not as passionate about). I suppose what I've learned is I have to really ask around and research possible backup plans for 1-2 years in case I go unmatched - post doc positions, PhD programs, prelim/transitional years, if I have the mental space to learn more haha - maybe surgical residency in Canada, def need to put down the efforts in creating firm backup plans.
I am so PROUD of you! I love how you are able to find the silver lining of this very dark cloud/ period in your life. It suck’s when things don’t go as planned especially when you have worked sooo hard to ensure that they do. But I have also learned in life that a disappointment (no failure…because you didn’t fail!) is an opportunity to be successful in something else and sometimes something wayyy better than what you had planned. It’s hard to accept this reality at times. But you are already doing an amazing job at it. I wish I was rich I would send you $$$ honestly because you deserve that. But I have a gut feeling something is going to work out for you. Something way beyond your wildest imagination. I don’t know if you are religious… but pray and have faith and persistence!! Persistence always pays off.
Wishing you the best of luck! Sometimes a “no” in one area can mean an amazing “yes” later on. From someone who knows this all too well. Sending hugs ❤
It's okay to grieve for a month and then get going and never look back. You are right where you are suppose to be in life right now. Be in constant motion going forward and never become stagnant especially in your thinking. Control of your thoughts is critical right now and going forward. Do you realize what exciting experiences await you on your journey?
I appreciate your authenticity. You can tutor students on the side or become a pharmacy technician fairly quickly to make rent. I think everything will work out the way it’s supposed to. Keep your head up, doc!
I am in disbelief at some of these terrible comments. Don't listen to the doubters, you know yourself and your abilities! I believe in you and I wish you the best of luck
I’m not in the medical field but have always wanted to be. I never even knew being matched was a thing!! I see you being very successful…hang in there sweetheart!!
Sarah I’m so happy for you that you’re going to do research! It is truly an invaluable experience and it will give you so much insight into what you want to do in the future. There’s no need to rush into a career, anything good takes time!! Plussss doing research will teach you how science is truly done. I’m in my first year of med school and I’ve been considering doing the D.O./PhD program at my school.. I believe learning how research works and doing it yourself is how you become a better doctor. This “loss” is really just a gift.
In my experience plastics is ridiculously competitive. The scores and grades the applicants usually have. You better be one of those 4am riser 10h a day study types. Because that's your competition in that specialty. Similar to Neurosurgery, tho they put a ton more focus on research than any other specialty. Nonetheless; If you're somewhat competitive, you do have realistic chances at Gen. Surg. that's why I'm so baffled Sarah didn't apply there. MDs have like a 70% matchrate in that specialty. Just "don't be" part of the bottom 30% of applicants and you can match. But plastics has like 80 positions a year or so. Ridiculously small amount of positions. Even Neurosurgery has more spots than that.
@@T-Bone99 so true. Also there was only like 194 spots this year. There are way more than 194 people who have perfect grades and perfect scores and all the clubs and honors and activities that you could possibly think of that applied plastics. So even if you are an amazing applicant you’re going up against people just as good if not better than you. I hope she applies general surgery second round because taking a research year is just not gonna look good for plastic surgery. I hope she doesn’t give up but finds a different path that she enjoys
@@Ian_Larson yup absolutely. Prelim-Surgery position in a soap process would have been better. She's an MD, her odds (for gen surg.) could be very good for the next cycle HAD she chosen to do SOAP. There is this blogger who is a DO and didn't match Plastics 2 times; she went and did 1x preliminary year and then worked in the emergency room (cause after PGY-1 u can already chose to work for a higher salary) and she applied again and got an interview invite to a program that had an unfilled spot and she got accepted to Plastics Residency and she was the only DO graduate in the 2022 match to match into plastics. But Sarah has an MD and so it should be easier for her. Nevertheless; Gen Surg. and Plastics is the better option for her IMO. There's a plastic surgeon on youtube who did that route and he has his own practice.
Sarah, did you not apply TY at all? While a clinical year would be better, a solid research year in plastics will be a very good bump to your application next cycle. Definitely apply TY and GS next year though. Take these emotions and let them fuel a fire under you like has never been seen. You'll be fine. Everything feels bad short term, just like med school, the days are LONG but the years are short.
I'm glad you have a plan for next year if you don't match again. I've seen a few videos and comments from people who didn't match 2 years in a row. It's gonna be tough to go unpaid 2 years in a row. Don't be so resistant to pivoting that you cripple yourself. If plastics is your ultimate goal, there is more than 1 path to get there. Perhaps more than 1 specialty to get there (and get paid, and not let absolutely CRUSHING student loans plus regular living costs multiply) while you do it. You had so many comments from people who found a new path to get to the same destination.
Going for Plastic Surg is an amazing Goal. I am sure if you applied for FM or a less competitive speciality you would get in no sweat. Kudos to you for sticking to your dream. Alot of good part time gigs out there. Substitute teaching, tutoring, etc.
I came across your video and although I am not exactly sure I understand the entire match process, I want you to know that everything happens for a reason. You will get through this, you have worked so hard to give up now. I am rooting for you!
I realize you mean well but please never tell people everything happens for a reason. That may be true but sometimes the reason is that the world sucks and there are horrible people in it. Sometimes it is just capricious fate. "Everything happens for a reason" is a huge, insulting slap in the face to many.
You are a queen, don’t let this tear you down. You’ve got a plan! Stick to the plan and let things happen naturally. I’m a strong believer that you will end up where you need to be. Please don’t forget to shoot your shot in other specialties like internal or emergency medicine as a back up. My story is a little crazier than yours. I’m a foreign medical graduate and matching is 10 times harder for us to the point that it becomes an habit not matching. I graduated in 2013 but I’ve had to go to PA school and practice as a PA for 2 years before finally matching this year in emergency department. I’m where I need to be and so are you. So keep your head up and stay strong. Ok? If you need someone to talk to at any point, reach out to me
2 ideas for you to make money during this year (besides the obvious working at starbucks, working in retail, etc) would be to tutor for the MCAT or get a paramedic license and start practicing as a medic or EMT.
Don't listen to the voice in your head telling you to give up. You will make it. You are not the first person to hit a roadblock in life. You will get through this and be stronger in the end.
Hey Sarah ... I am pretty sure that you are gonna be a great plastic surgeon in a few years...I am planning to be a doctor in the Us so im probably gonna meet you sometime. so keep the good work going...Never give up
Hey !!!! I’m in the military , have you thought about taking the military route ? I’m in the military, and I can tell you all about it …. You can still do plastic surgery but you would’ve have to serve an amount of years after your residency is up . It’s not bad , you’d be getting paid while doing residency, and they’ll pay off all your debt . I know it’s more money on the outside.but You know sometimes it’s ok to take 2 steps back to get what you want . I’ve met a lot of doctors in the military and they love their lifestyle.
@@cathynewyork7918 he was giving useful advice on another path she might try to reach her goals. All of your comments on this video are negative, judgmental, and not helpful. Your opinion on military doctors is not why you need therapy.
@@lisser7 I know a lot of people who feel that military doctors are not as high a quality as regular doctors. She will get more respect IF she can be a regular doctor instead of a military doctor, if she can.
That’s actually the SOAP process which happens the week after match. I’m assuming she didn’t apply to soap though because she seems very insistent on being in plastics.
@@BayAreaLakers people are hating because this guy used a video where an M4 undergoing every M4's worst nightmare was being emotional to say they looked unstable.
From my perspective, plastic surgery is too competitive; therefore, if you want to SOAP, you will definitely get matched to other specialties. Maybe, you love plastic surgery so much and wanna give it another try. It is worth waiting and hope you can make it!
Curious where "across the country" is... It seems like the fact that you were outside in march means you were probably on the West coast somewhere before, which means East coast for this next year? It sounds like you've talked to your mentor to discuss why you're doing the research route, but I think for many of us we're curious as to the reasoning behind this. It may help some people to understand why you chose that route over SOAPing or doing a prelim year. Best of luck!
I'm a medical student in the second year and your videos really motivate me ♡♡ I feel like they are telling me that you are not the only student who is struggling. So please keep going and never quit ♡
Sarah, sorry about the disgusting comments people are dropping. Only you understand what you're going through and how to navigate it, so please block out the naysayers and do what is best for you.
Dont listener to haters here. As an MD who went through matching I have my fair share of disappointments. You chose a path and stick with it. If plastics is your passion then it sounds like you will not be happy going with second alternatives. I am sure you will figure it out. All the best!
Videos talking about “boomer doctors” and how you haaaave to leave work on time prolly isn’t the best thing to have on your social media when trying to get into plastic surgery residency lol
@@randolphh8005 6 vs 8 years of training is a big deal haha. Also it’s not like Gen surg is east to get into. Or maybe she was super confident about applying to just plastic surg. Either way, she says she regrets not applying to Gen surg.
@@mike112693 my wife and I are both older MDs., this young physician has a goal. In retrospect she also acknowledges she likely made an error. People not getting into their first choice residency has been a common event for decades. Not having a backup plan is a poor decision, not sure if she got bad advice. How long you train should not be a major issue. There are docs who regret their choices on the back end too. The happiest doctors are those that are in medicine to provide good patient care whether they are a surgeon, a pediatrician, or an educator. One’s specialty should be a secondary consideration anyway, most older docs will tell you they could have been just as happy in other specialties.
Old semi-retired ER doctor here. Don't give up, but be realistic. Your CV won't change greatly with your research year. The residency programs will know what happened. Look at your application and review with any mentors who will be honest and frank with you. What school did you graduate from? What was your ranking? Are you AOA? I think that the commenters giving you false hope are just as bad as the mean ones enjoying your failure.
The only useful advice I've seen.
This is an excellent reply---I would first evaluate your deficiencies in academics, clinical, and research, and see how well those align with your interests in residency. There is a general issue as to whether your applications were based on reaches, or there is an outstanding mis-alignment in your education/skills against your chosen specialty. You have just a few short months to see what you can do to remediate those areas. I would then focus your efforts 100% on medicine. In the next round, the questions will arise as to how you managed this year. Coming up with a plan, sticking to that plan with laser focus, and being honest about where you were and how you've learned from the situation will go a long way. This next statement may sting a bit, but do you think there could be any questions as to your commitment to medicine vis a vis being a youtube influencer? I would really want to know whether the incoming housestaff are going to be there to keep the traffic moving. You've got a short runway to take off and best to make these short months count! Best of luck!
Research helps. Also a general surgery residency helps a lot
Don’t know why this video got recommended to me but it did today.
This is good advice however coming from a Residency Program Manager who has screened well over 10k applications for highly competitive specialties I always tell unmatched people to do one thing.
Contact the programs you applied to regardless of getting an interview or not. Rarely will they respond but if they do they will give you the best advice on your application over anyone else. This way you can set reasonable expectations on whether this path is even attainable for you. Also yes I’ve had those not so fun conversations with applicants letting them know that their chances were nonexistent and they need to set their sights on something else. Why do I do that?Because I have a lot of empathy for people in this situation and that is by far the kindest thing to do.
When asked I almost always will give them several notes of advice or weak points in their application. I’ve done this countless times and I cannot remember ever listing research on application recommendations.
Just saw your TikTok! Congratulations on Matching 🥳👏🏾👏🏾
Thank you!! New video is posted :)
I had cancer and then tried to get back into the work world and no one would hire me because of a 2-year gap in my resume and my age. Guess what, I am starting my own business and I am passionate about what I am doing for the first time in my life. Never, ever give up. Ever!
That is INSANE. Work culture is so toxic we don’t give grace to humans for being human. Gap years being scrutinized like that is ridiculous. Maybe someone was ill, taking care of themselves or family and figuring out life. What should matter is the person got their application and skills together and are actively trying to rejoin the workforce.
As a fellowship-trained anesthesiologist, I’m going to be honest and give you some tough love. This is not me being demeaning, but trying to keep you from making some terrible mistakes.
- Residency will never get less competitive. More medical schools are being created and admission numbers increase but residency spots are still the bottleneck. If you seriously let a year go by without practicing, what is going to make you a better candidate next year. Your chances of successfully matching decrease with each year out from residency
- Whoever advised you to only apply to plastics without some form of surgery prelim year as a backup led you down a poor path.
- a buddy of mine did general surgery residency, plastics fellowship, and now he’s doing phenomenal. If plastics is what you truly want to do, then you should be willing to go whatever path it takes to reach it. Your chances of achieving plastics via that route is much higher than directly matching.
- Medicine is no different than other industries, who you know makes a difference. If you’re doing your prelim year and you’re kicking ass, you’re making connections and meeting people in residency programs that hold power, that helps your chances immensely.
- If it was me, I would do a surgery prelim year. Get some research publications in plastics under my belt, network with important people and go the extra mile when possible to do things around their program. And reapply the following year.
- If you simply choose to sit out and just reapply next year, you are demonstrating the exact reason why you didn’t match in the first place. If you really wanted it, you’d take whatever path was required to reach your dream. If you do not practice medicine this year or dramatically try and improve your application, next years interviews will produce a similar result.
I don’t want to come off as an asshole. I think you have what it takes to succeed, but you need to develop a little grit.
Remember, anything worth having is worth working hard for.
Hard disagree. Nearly every plastics program director I've spoken to or heard from at conferences has emphasized the importance of research now that step 1 is P/F. Attending conferences and being productive with faculty at her research institution is how she will get to know people. Doing a research year is very far from just sitting out and waiting to reapply. But also I don't know the details of her app. If she already had a decent # of pubs but mediocre grades and letters, then maybe a prelim year would be better. But if it's a case where she's at a school w/o a home program then doing research at a place with a home program can be very beneficial and help her possibly match there.
yeah hard disagree as well. i do agree having a surgery prelim as a back up is important but i do think getting a research year at a well recgonized institution andd then doing a prelim is also a great option. I am speaking from experience from the research year side of things, an orthopedic resident at a top 40 program USMD
wrong advice
@c15shull I think you need to reach out to her directly. She might not read this. You sound direct and forward. Now just tell this to her directly
Wish I could give you a big hug, my son did not match in residency for radiology and that was a tough tough time for him and for al of us. So as a parent I know what you have had to go through to get to this point and then to get that email is devastating. Thank you for your vulnerability in sharing, my son felt so alone when all his friends matched and he didn't. Such a rough time. I hope you will continue to share your journey and keep us updated on how things are going, I think it will be encouraging for others who are going through the same thing.
@@sarahstruble thank you!! 😊
Hey Sarah. I was in a similar position many years ago. I applied orthopedic surgery knowing I wasn't very competitive, and didn't get many interviews. I ended up not matching and took a prelim surgery year at my home program. Ended up deciding surgery wasn't for me and now I am about to graduate from a radiology residency and I am so much happier than I would have been in surgery. It sucks when you don't match and you feel absolutely horrible, but I think in the long run we all end up where we are meant to be. And in the long run you will get what you want if you work hard and these days will just be memories.
How did you know you weren’t competitive?
How did you get radiology please 🙏
Diagnostic Radiology is superior to Orthopaedics and joint replacement.
For anyone who is applying to a competitive specialty such as Plastic Surgery, you MUST ALWAYS DUAL APPLY. If you have the scores for Plastic Surgery, you could easily match into General Surgery and then go into a Fellowship. I just have a hard time to understand why you chose not doing so; SOAPing into General Surgery is definitely not an option since all the spots have already been filled. However you still should SOAP into a prelim surgery, especially where they also have Plastic Surgery to get your foot in the door while improve your surgical skills and get PAID. You are so smart but you are so fixated on your goal that you keep making too many mistakes in a row. Every single year that you spend not doing residency is a year of physician's salary lost.
This.
Yes. This is where having physicians in the family (or as close family friends) makes a HUGE difference. These are understandable mistakes made by many first gen doctors due to a lack of understanding of the norms of the field. People with physicians in the family are drilled about this stuff long in advance, to the point where it becomes second nature and "obvious common sense" to them. She will be fine in the longer term, since she will eventually match and become a great physician.
This is true. Get your foot in the door and than it’ll become easier.
@@seanwalsh5717 I think it’s pretty common knowledge in a lot of final year students especially when a lot have access to advisors and mentors today
SOAP is done. No sense in beating this dead horse. Should she have soaped into prelim? Yes. I am not denying that. But let's avoid wagging our fingers at this unfortunate young doctor at this point and focus on providing solid advice to help her achieve her goals as you also did by reminding her to dual apply in the next match.
Medical school is not poor students. Unfounded research is crazy. I spent almost 10k with aways and ERAS applications and didn’t match. You’re strong. Keep going.
I am shocked by some of the negative comments on this video. “First generation” attending physician here. Although I recall the advice to apply into a backup specialty and SOAP if unmatched, there ARE people who take research years and ultimately match into competitive specialties on their 2nd try.
Sarah, your work ethic comes through in your videos and I applaud you for sharing your story! Clearly you have been successful in the past in many aspects, and past success is the best predictor of future success. I wish you the best of luck in the next year and beyond. I agree with you- everyone’s path is unique & what you choose to do the year after not matching is dependent on your situation / application. Rooting for you!
There are people who do match 2nd try but with how competitive ps is getting every year her chances are incredibly bleak. Less than 200 spots with 90% of spots going to Med school students leaves her with ~20 slots for a chance.
We also are realistic. Having a backup next cycle is key. Very few reapps are successful. I see comments mostly trying to help her solidify a reasonable plan C
I'm rooting for you Sarah! Please continue to document this process as I am sure many medical students can gain a lot of value from your story.
Your situation reminds me of when I flunked out of law school. I didn’t know what I was going to do at that point. Decades later, I’m in a consulting career that pays better (and provides a better quality of life) than most lawyer jobs. But, the journey was long, winding, and difficult. I can relate to the gut-punch feeling. I’m on your side. ❤️
So sorry to hear you didn’t match, but your dedication through this video is inspiring as a current med student. Thank you for this.
I am an RN in SICU in Chicago, we work with a lot of Residents from Rush Medical Center during their ICU rotations. There are Plastic Sugery residents ( on their direct program ), and there are also General Surgery Residents that pursue Plastics during their Fellowship time. Maybe, try Gen Surg first? There might be more openings. Wishing you the best!
I know it doesn't take away from the pain of not matching, but I really appreciate and respect that you've posted your hardships as well. For you and all those who didnt match, I hope you guys get the match of your choice next year.
Thank you for your transparency. Really respect your willingness to share your story. Failure is so hard to deal with, especially in medical school where you're constantly surrounded by high achieving people and are made to feel alone when things don't go as planned. You showing that- 1) failure happens and 2) life keeps going- is really inspiring. Thanks for being so authentic.
Don't give up !! Don't you ever quit in those moments where you feel like it's over , like there's nothing to be done , like it's the end !! Just get through, talk about it , cry , share your experience more , allow yourself to be upset and scared cuz that's the process . dark moments won't last forever, nothing lasts forever , somehow you're gonna figure something out . Hold on !! Hold on . Right when you think it's over , that's when you're blessed with a glimmer of light , a new beginning
I finished an emergency med residency at Stanford over 17 years ago. Today? I practice in Ortho. Everyone is different. Some people are not comfortable with a change in goals or plans. Or moves across country. Or being in situations of chaos. Like a war zone. I craved it. And did all that. What it did for me is make me such a superior professional in almost every way. It forced me to thrive in stressful conditions. It made me learn to empathize better. To love better. And appreciate more. It humbled me. But also made me so much more confident. Some say maybe too much? I’ve been in uncertain times that you find yourself in now. Money uncertainty. Distance issues. Chaos all around me. Difference is I purposely put myself in those situations. But nonetheless. Try to embrace it! It is hard for some personality types. But if you can figure that out. You will be more successful in every area of your life. But also you will be a better person. Most people take the path of least resistance. It’s ok. But you can be more.
Are you saying you became an ortho surgeon after doing EM residency? Can I ask the steps to your journey?
I am sorry to hear your disappointment... I am going to pray for you to our Gracious caring God for you.... Just praying for you through this difficult time.....
U will be okay. I hope your research year is at place with a plastic surgery residency. 🙏🏽
Life is not a straight forward path. But you will make it. Never give up
@@sarahstruble You are welcome. I applaud your vulnerability
Stay strong. Don't give up. The world needs people like you, and PLASTIC SURGERGY needs people like you, with your tenacity and authenticity. Just stay on this road and have confidence that you will get there one way or another.
Thank you so much for posting this content. It makes a big difference for those of us earlier in the process to have some sense of the variety of experiences possible down the road!!! I admire your vulnerability and transparency. Sending you good vibes!
The best thing to do in this situation would be to find an investigator with a r01 grant, that way you can write a t35 training grant to cover your salary. It's what I did after not matching and doing a research year. Try to get at least a 2nd author publication and an abstract presentation for the year. Also make sure you check grant application deadlines.
You have a plan, next time though you really really need to apply to back up and prelim spots. They tell you day one the hard specialities will have far more people turned away than accepted so you need to be prepared either way. You can still be a practicing doctor after this, just be prepared for all other options.
Most PD's in general surgery dont look unfavorable on those with an application geared to plastic surgery/ct surgery/ vascular surgery because these are all gen surg related fellowships. Definitely dual apply next year. Find more than one research position than just 1. You want multiple sources of generating manuscripts/abstracts/presentations. Hope thats helpful
Sarah if you can SOAP into a good program then take it instead of doing the research. We as parents of a medical school graduate in 3/2016 have gone through the same painful process and we know no matter what others say it is not easy! We did not even know there was this crazy match thing until we learned our son did not match! Once we learned that we were just as devastated as our son. He had to make a decision what to do next and even went over to South Korea University to attend a short program. Luckily he got a call from a good program to fill up an opened up prelim surgery spot and he took it. After a year of grueling residency he matched in 2017 and for the first time I cried because I was so happy for him! So Sarah take an offer if you get it now! Good luck!
This…
I am rooting for you! Plastics is super competitive, but just do your best and allow yourself grace. At the end of the day tomorrow is not promised for any of us, remember the important things in life :)
you should make a video talking about what led you to becoming a doctor! videos like that are always interesting and also motivating to the creator to remind themselves why they're doing this in the first place.
I appreciate your honesty. I know you aren’t asking for advice but moving across the country with lots of med school debt (even if it isn’t due to pay back yet) and no money, no place to live and zero income for an entire year - that seems dangerous. Is there any other acceptable option for you within the medical structure that’ll allow for you to earn at least a meager salary until you apply again?
I'm in a different country and the process is a lot different but I've tried to get in surgery for the 3rd time and I learnt recently that I won't be able to get in and while it was something that I had accepted and was expecting, the feelings really come rushing back and crush you in the most unpredictable times. Wish you all the best and don't forget your why! You got this! You can do it
I am sorry you didnt match and I cant say I know how you feel because I have never been in your shoes. However you are an amazing being, going through medical school and fighting to be a medical doctor to save lives makes you stand out wherever you are. It shows you are compassionate and a wonderful being and posterity will be so proud of you. It is ok to feel down, it is ok to feel disappointed but that will make you stronger because you will overcome your fear of failure and like the *Phoenix* you will rise from the ashes and soar so high to heights that would scare you. Stay Strong and keep fighting!!!❤❤❤
I didn't even match psychiatry. I am still absolutely devastated and taken by surprise. If anything, I am getting worse. I don't know what to do and I am spiraling. I hope you all are doing better and have bright futures.
I’m so very sorry you’re in this spot! Please be patient and kind with yourself! When I have felt “at the end of my rope,” getting away for even half a day has been magically resetting and healing. If you can, just (literally) take a hike, and/or sit by water, breathe, and just love on yourself for a while.
I hope you have people directly in your life to bolster you but even if not, I assure you that You matter and there are people who care about you (even internet strangers like me 😬), and people you haven’t even met yet that are/will be so grateful for You.
Congrats on how far you’ve come - you’ve already achieved my dream that I will never be able to reach. How you feel right now is super common and temporary.
Keep going! You’re just getting started and there’s sooooooo much good still ahead! 💫😊🙏💗
@@jesstiss222 Even though it is hard to respond, I feel you deserve a big thank you for your kind words. Fortunately I have a wife and son that keep me going. I would be concerned for my safety otherwise. I am trying to take your words to heart and will continue to consider them. I am experiencing a failure to launch at the moment and still feel so raw about it all but will try to move forward and find some hope.
@@Ali-fo4uv It's gotten much more competitive over the past few years. I work at a large hospital and the psych fellowship program has seen a huge increase in applications over the past few years.
@@Ali-fo4uv I will say that I work at a fairly well-known hospital so I'm guessing that helps draw more applicants.
@@Ali-fo4uv I go to a top 40 allopathic school in the mountain west. 242 step 1 245 step 2. 6 pubs, none first author but presented, some leadership experiences and VERY good letters. No red flags. Everyone has said I fell through the cracks and I’m anomaly. It’s more competitive than it used to be but middle of the road. Not like plastics, derm, ortho, ENT, etc. but about the same as IM
I’ve never gone to medical school. But I am a post grad who can’t pass my nursing boards! So I know how it feels to not have things go as planned. But this will only make you stronger. Struggles will break you down and build you up again. You got this.
Best of luck to you. Keep an eye out for open gen surg or plastic spots throughout the year. You never know who may drop their spot. You're going to make an incredible doc!
I didn’t match into ophthalmology years ago and I thought it was the end of the world but it wasn’t. In fact, I think it was the best thing that could’ve happened to my career. Internal medicine was my back up and it worked out better than I could’ve ever imagined ✨ So if you’re reading this after not having matched, take heart and know that better days are coming 🤍
Wow in hindsight look how things paid off!! People gave you so much shit on this video (excuse my language)
But I just want to say good on you for pushing through and being so honest and raw !!im so proud of you .
Honestly.... doing a surgical prelim year would be better experience for you than a research year. You get surgical experience, get PAID which sounds like is a major factor, and you can do research in a prelim year. I don't know who advised you to do a research year instead but that's bad advice.
Get a general surgery residency and then move into plastics. You will become overall a better surgeon
I know nothing about the process but am wondering and concerned about this "working for free" research position. Wishing all the best.
I love your resiliency Sarah!
Thank you for sharing your insights! I'm applying general surgery as an IMG, and realized that a failed match can kill my confidence. I learned from you that backups are important. I've always been very passionate about my field, and people have recommended I dual apply to other fields (which my application isn't tuned to, and I am not as passionate about). I suppose what I've learned is I have to really ask around and research possible backup plans for 1-2 years in case I go unmatched - post doc positions, PhD programs, prelim/transitional years, if I have the mental space to learn more haha - maybe surgical residency in Canada, def need to put down the efforts in creating firm backup plans.
I am so PROUD of you! I love how you are able to find the silver lining of this very dark cloud/ period in your life. It suck’s when things don’t go as planned especially when you have worked sooo hard to ensure that they do. But I have also learned in life that a disappointment (no failure…because you didn’t fail!) is an opportunity to be successful in something else and sometimes something wayyy better than what you had planned. It’s hard to accept this reality at times. But you are already doing an amazing job at it. I wish I was rich I would send you $$$ honestly because you deserve that. But I have a gut feeling something is going to work out for you. Something way beyond your wildest imagination. I don’t know if you are religious… but pray and have faith and persistence!! Persistence always pays off.
Wishing you the best of luck! Sometimes a “no” in one area can mean an amazing “yes” later on. From someone who knows this all too well.
Sending hugs ❤
You're young and smart, and you truly still have time. It sucks for now, just don't give up.
It's okay to grieve for a month and then get going and never look back. You are right where you are suppose to be in life right now. Be in constant motion going forward and never become stagnant especially in your thinking. Control of your thoughts is critical right now and going forward. Do you realize what exciting experiences await you on your journey?
Good luck to you girlie!!
I appreciate your authenticity. You can tutor students on the side or become a pharmacy technician fairly quickly to make rent. I think everything will work out the way it’s supposed to. Keep your head up, doc!
I am in disbelief at some of these terrible comments. Don't listen to the doubters, you know yourself and your abilities! I believe in you and I wish you the best of luck
I’m not in the medical field but have always wanted to be. I never even knew being matched was a thing!! I see you being very successful…hang in there sweetheart!!
Thanks for sharing your experience. Don’t give up!!
update? i've been rooting for you and checking up you randomly came up on my recommends months ago rooting for you wishing you the best!
Sarah I’m so happy for you that you’re going to do research! It is truly an invaluable experience and it will give you so much insight into what you want to do in the future. There’s no need to rush into a career, anything good takes time!! Plussss doing research will teach you how science is truly done. I’m in my first year of med school and I’ve been considering doing the D.O./PhD program at my school.. I believe learning how research works and doing it yourself is how you become a better doctor. This “loss” is really just a gift.
I would definitely apply to a back up residency. Plastics is very hard to match and sometimes it just doesn’t work out.
In my experience plastics is ridiculously competitive. The scores and grades the applicants usually have. You better be one of those 4am riser 10h a day study types. Because that's your competition in that specialty. Similar to Neurosurgery, tho they put a ton more focus on research than any other specialty. Nonetheless; If you're somewhat competitive, you do have realistic chances at Gen. Surg. that's why I'm so baffled Sarah didn't apply there. MDs have like a 70% matchrate in that specialty. Just "don't be" part of the bottom 30% of applicants and you can match. But plastics has like 80 positions a year or so. Ridiculously small amount of positions. Even Neurosurgery has more spots than that.
@@T-Bone99 so true. Also there was only like 194 spots this year. There are way more than 194 people who have perfect grades and perfect scores and all the clubs and honors and activities that you could possibly think of that applied plastics. So even if you are an amazing applicant you’re going up against people just as good if not better than you. I hope she applies general surgery second round because taking a research year is just not gonna look good for plastic surgery. I hope she doesn’t give up but finds a different path that she enjoys
@@Ian_Larson yup absolutely. Prelim-Surgery position in a soap process would have been better. She's an MD, her odds (for gen surg.) could be very good for the next cycle HAD she chosen to do SOAP. There is this blogger who is a DO and didn't match Plastics 2 times; she went and did 1x preliminary year and then worked in the emergency room (cause after PGY-1 u can already chose to work for a higher salary) and she applied again and got an interview invite to a program that had an unfilled spot and she got accepted to Plastics Residency and she was the only DO graduate in the 2022 match to match into plastics. But Sarah has an MD and so it should be easier for her. Nevertheless; Gen Surg. and Plastics is the better option for her IMO. There's a plastic surgeon on youtube who did that route and he has his own practice.
You’re working really hard and keeping your head in the game. I don’t know you, but I’m proud of you. ❤
Sarah, did you not apply TY at all?
While a clinical year would be better, a solid research year in plastics will be a very good bump to your application next cycle. Definitely apply TY and GS next year though.
Take these emotions and let them fuel a fire under you like has never been seen. You'll be fine. Everything feels bad short term, just like med school, the days are LONG but the years are short.
I'm glad you have a plan for next year if you don't match again. I've seen a few videos and comments from people who didn't match 2 years in a row. It's gonna be tough to go unpaid 2 years in a row. Don't be so resistant to pivoting that you cripple yourself. If plastics is your ultimate goal, there is more than 1 path to get there. Perhaps more than 1 specialty to get there (and get paid, and not let absolutely CRUSHING student loans plus regular living costs multiply) while you do it. You had so many comments from people who found a new path to get to the same destination.
Going for Plastic Surg is an amazing Goal. I am sure if you applied for FM or a less competitive speciality you would get in no sweat. Kudos to you for sticking to your dream. Alot of good part time gigs out there. Substitute teaching, tutoring, etc.
I came across your video and although I am not exactly sure I understand the entire match process, I want you to know that everything happens for a reason. You will get through this, you have worked so hard to give up now. I am rooting for you!
I realize you mean well but please never tell people everything happens for a reason. That may be true but sometimes the reason is that the world sucks and there are horrible people in it. Sometimes it is just capricious fate. "Everything happens for a reason" is a huge, insulting slap in the face to many.
“Everything happens for a reason” is literally the worst comment.
Has someone who has to repeat a term in nursing school, coming back to this makes me feel so good
You are a queen, don’t let this tear you down. You’ve got a plan! Stick to the plan and let things happen naturally. I’m a strong believer that you will end up where you need to be. Please don’t forget to shoot your shot in other specialties like internal or emergency medicine as a back up.
My story is a little crazier than yours. I’m a foreign medical graduate and matching is 10 times harder for us to the point that it becomes an habit not matching. I graduated in 2013 but I’ve had to go to PA school and practice as a PA for 2 years before finally matching this year in emergency department. I’m where I need to be and so are you. So keep your head up and stay strong. Ok? If you need someone to talk to at any point, reach out to me
Don't give up. In one year your story will be so different!
2 ideas for you to make money during this year (besides the obvious working at starbucks, working in retail, etc) would be to tutor for the MCAT or get a paramedic license and start practicing as a medic or EMT.
Good luck! I’m a new subscriber and I can’t wait to see your journey going forward.
🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂 you've got this! I'm rooting for you!
WOW bless your heart. YOU got this go forth and do what you need to do.
Glad you are doing better, stay positive, it will work out!!
You will be the best plastic surgeon someday because you went through this. Keep your head up ❤❤
Be kind to yourself and pray
Don't listen to the voice in your head telling you to give up. You will make it. You are not the first person to hit a roadblock in life. You will get through this and be stronger in the end.
Happy for you. 🙏🏽everything will work out.
Hey Sarah ... I am pretty sure that you are gonna be a great plastic surgeon in a few years...I am planning to be a doctor in the Us so im probably gonna meet you sometime. so keep the good work going...Never give up
You only applied to the most competitive residency in all of medicine??
This…
I don’t know you but I will pray for you. Jesus loves you. You will one day look back and smile at everything learned during this journey.
Hey !!!! I’m in the military , have you thought about taking the military route ? I’m in the military, and I can tell you all about it …. You can still do plastic surgery but you would’ve have to serve an amount of years after your residency is up . It’s not bad , you’d be getting paid while doing residency, and they’ll pay off all your debt . I know it’s more money on the outside.but You know sometimes it’s ok to take 2 steps back to get what you want . I’ve met a lot of doctors in the military and they love their lifestyle.
Some of us don't think military doctors are as good as private doctors, so that could harm her career.
Seek help, Cathy.
@@lisser7 This is such a silly comment! I do NOT need "help." I know what many people think -- so don't say I need help when I'm right. LOL.
@@cathynewyork7918 he was giving useful advice on another path she might try to reach her goals. All of your comments on this video are negative, judgmental, and not helpful. Your opinion on military doctors is not why you need therapy.
@@lisser7 I know a lot of people who feel that military doctors are not as high a quality as regular doctors. She will get more respect IF she can be a regular doctor instead of a military doctor, if she can.
You are strong and intelligent keep going
Don’t give up. I have no doubt things will work out really well. You are on the right path because you are on your path. Rooting for you. ❤
Praying for you❤
Wishing you the best. 🌹
Wish you best of luck for your next match🎉
Can you match later? What if someone turns down their match, which frees up a spot on the wait list? Do they tell you why you didn't match?
That’s actually the SOAP process which happens the week after match. I’m assuming she didn’t apply to soap though because she seems very insistent on being in plastics.
You should keep in mind that evaluation of ALL candidates include a social media evaluation.
I am ONLY saying this because you don't appear stable. Somebody needs to tell you this.
@@markhorn9936 this might be the dumbest comment i've ever seen on youtube. Somebody needs to tell you this.
@@markhorn9936 Comments like this only come from people who are unstable. Somebody needs to tell you this.
Lol. I don't understand why people are hating on this comment. It's true that some programs check social media. This girl has red flags.
@@BayAreaLakers people are hating because this guy used a video where an M4 undergoing every M4's worst nightmare was being emotional to say they looked unstable.
From my perspective, plastic surgery is too competitive; therefore, if you want to SOAP, you will definitely get matched to other specialties. Maybe, you love plastic surgery so much and wanna give it another try. It is worth waiting and hope you can make it!
What do you think could be the reasons for being unmatched? Thanks for sharing.
You've got this!!!!!
Curious where "across the country" is... It seems like the fact that you were outside in march means you were probably on the West coast somewhere before, which means East coast for this next year? It sounds like you've talked to your mentor to discuss why you're doing the research route, but I think for many of us we're curious as to the reasoning behind this. It may help some people to understand why you chose that route over SOAPing or doing a prelim year. Best of luck!
You have a M. D. degree. What about other residency tracks such as General surgery, Internal medicine, Family practice.?
I'm a medical student in the second year and your videos really motivate me ♡♡ I feel like they are telling me that you are not the only student who is struggling. So please keep going and never quit ♡
Praying for you today 🙏🙏 Did you apply again this year?
I MATCHED!!!
going to post an update soon!
@@sarahstrubleI’m so happy for you!
@@sarahstrublecongrats 🎉🎉🎉 I am in the soap process rn so would love to here all your tips and advice for reapplying and everything
@@sarahstrubleOMG!! came back here, a year after this video to check where you are now AND I’M SO UNBELIEVABLY EXCITED FOR YOU! ❤
keep going girl
Prayers for you!!! You’ll do great in life!!
i would go off of social media, it might be a red flag
Keep moving forward!!!!!!!
Come to the UK. You don't have to do this "match" thing. You graduate then go straight into the NHS as a junior doctor
no jobs in the Uk.
Yea but they don’t put you at your choice hospital. They put you in high need or hood hospitals first.
The US Med Ed system is miles better than the UK
UK is a shithole
I’m from UK and I’m trying my best to move to the US myself 😂
Sarah, sorry about the disgusting comments people are dropping.
Only you understand what you're going through and how to navigate it, so please block out the naysayers and do what is best for you.
Dont listener to haters here. As an MD who went through matching I have my fair share of disappointments. You chose a path and stick with it. If plastics is your passion then it sounds like you will not be happy going with second alternatives. I am sure you will figure it out. All the best!
How many away rotations did you do as someone who doesn't have a home program?
You will make it!!!!!!!
you still have soap
God will provide
Videos talking about “boomer doctors” and how you haaaave to leave work on time prolly isn’t the best thing to have on your social media when trying to get into plastic surgery residency lol
Right? LOL!
why not a general surgery residency and then plastics fellowship?
That's more years of training
@@mike112693 Duh!
Plastics Fellowship isn't as good as a residency in Plastic Surgery.
@@randolphh8005 6 vs 8 years of training is a big deal haha. Also it’s not like Gen surg is east to get into. Or maybe she was super confident about applying to just plastic surg. Either way, she says she regrets not applying to Gen surg.
@@mike112693 my wife and I are both older MDs., this young physician has a goal. In retrospect she also acknowledges she likely made an error. People not getting into their first choice residency has been a common event for decades. Not having a backup plan is a poor decision, not sure if she got bad advice. How long you train should not be a major issue.
There are docs who regret their choices on the back end too. The happiest doctors are those that are in medicine to provide good patient care whether they are a surgeon, a pediatrician, or an educator. One’s specialty should be a secondary consideration anyway, most older docs will tell you they could have been just as happy in other specialties.