@abbymsallee: Social media is filled with viral videos of medical students matching at their first choice residency programs. But not everyone talks about what it feels like when that’s not your story. I didn’t match my first choice. And for a long time, I felt like I had fallen short in some way. But now it’s much easier to realize your match result does not determine your worth, your future, or the kind of doctor you will become. So if Friday doesn’t go the way you hoped, take a breath, give yourself grace, and remember how far you’ve already come. inspo: @Dr. Arazoo #matchday #matchweek #matchdayresults #residency #residentlife
My daughter in law got into Yale. I screamed with excitement and she cried because she didn’t want to go there.
2026-03-17 20:17:04
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Billie :
My husband didn’t match…anywhere! He got a second chance at Miami, and now he runs the program. Life works out, even after deep disappointments
2026-03-19 01:20:48
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Nicki💙Mom💙Wife💙Lux Budget :
This must be such a stressful time. You must have worked so hard to get to this moment. I’m not a dr so I don’t understand this match process. I had no idea that match day determines your speciality for your career. I don’t think this should be the way they do this
2026-03-18 16:54:42
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Backup to the backup :
Just because they weren’t at the top of your list, you we’re at the top of theirs. They want you! You’re going to do great things!
2026-03-17 11:34:39
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Kathleen Theisen :
My husband matched at his last choice. We were devastated. We moved and it was the best 4 years of our lives. We are now back home with our friends and family. You will be ok! Trust the process 💕
2026-03-21 17:49:25
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Attorneyninaclark :
My husband matched his second choice. Had he matched his first choice, he never would have met me
2026-03-22 16:38:01
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slade2612 :
I matched at my #5. I would’ve been happy with anywhere in my top 4. 5 was where I didn’t want to fall. But I met my husband and best friends because of going to my 5. It works itself out!
2026-03-20 22:20:18
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DobbsEmigre 🇨🇦 :
I failed to match at all *twice*. Scrambled into the perfect residency for me and have had a wonderful career.
2026-03-17 22:55:11
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Beachgem10 :
Thank you for sharing ❤️been there too
2026-03-21 02:18:55
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Copilot :
Proud of you no matter what 💙
2026-03-17 21:21:15
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NP :
The ability to pivot - is a life skill that is tremendously valuable and it takes so much courage. Totally underrated
2026-03-18 01:38:13
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alannafitz1 :
You are so brave to be vulnerable enough to share your disappointment!!💙
2026-03-16 22:21:09
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Lisa Osborne :
My husband is a med school faculty and he feels match days should be private for these reasons.
2026-03-18 15:08:54
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Dave Musolino :
Female doctor here as well – I will tell you that I did not match either, and it ended up being one of the best things that ever happened to me. Trust the process, you will end up going down the road that you were meant to.
2026-03-17 01:49:46
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KS Teacher 🤟 :
My son chose to open his Match letter privately. He matched, but was no where near his top. He was disappointed for a long time. Four years later, he is doing great a starting a Fellowship in July!
2026-03-20 22:25:54
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BROOKE REISS :
Gods plan is greater than our own even when it may not make sense 🥰
2026-03-16 22:29:48
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Wanderchic :
I used to work for a SOM that did a big Match Day celebration where everyone opened their letter on stage and announced where they were going. One year a group of students got together and petitioned to change the process because so many went through this but had to pretend to be thrilled while they were silently mourning the future they thought they were going to have. Now they open their envelopes with their family/friends and then go up to announce- if they want to.
2026-03-17 20:43:29
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ttp :
My husband matched into his 14th choice for fellowship... we had to take our three young kids and move across the country for the year. And what an amazing year it was.. so many memories /met amazing people/ 100/10 experience.
2026-03-23 18:48:23
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❤️Michelle❤️ :
That just means you were needed somewhere else and you will have great opportunities!!! 🥰
2026-03-23 01:55:45
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Anna | Fates and Florals :
My brother in law had to scramble after not matching into nuero initially, he matched into the top nueurosurgery program the year after and is a badass neurosurgeon. Your path looks different then you expected and it will lead to long term success, you got this 💕
2026-03-17 18:56:21
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user103818 :
rooting for you, doc!🥰
2026-03-18 03:10:14
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Jenny | Realtor* Central FL :
Aweee I don’t even know you and it broke my heart…. Tight hugs
2026-03-17 00:46:55
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Alejandra Genevieve :
Rejection is protection babe, my med student roomies each had a different paths from each other and 5 yrs later they are each where they should be 🫶
2026-03-19 02:18:04
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CRUNCHBABYYYYY :
You are brave for being so transparent and vulnerable in sharing this with the world. God has great plans for you as a doctor. Keep positive thoughts
2026-03-17 01:30:15
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Plshbrt :
Maybe this is your path!!! Best of Luck
2026-03-22 21:45:34
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