Anxiety Becomes Excitement on Match Day for New Resident
By Garrett Barfoot, MD
2025;18(3):8
On Monday, March 17, I felt a wave of relief seeing I was matching at a diagnostic radiology program. What followed were anxious days filled with real estate searches, sleepless nights, and heartfelt conversations about how this would affect our young family.
Since my international medical school doesn’t receive official Match results, we planned a small celebration on Friday, March 21, with close friends and family joining via video call. In a pro sports draft day-style reveal, we had hats from several programs ready. Just before the announcement, I found a quiet place to kneel and offer a prayer to be sent where I could serve best.
When my wife read “Detroit Medical Center” for my transitional year, we were relieved to stay in our Michigan home a bit longer. Then came “Loma Linda University” for diagnostic radiology, and the room erupted with joy. Over the video call, my mom, who lives in Southern California, let out comical, celebratory screams at the news that we were coming home.
We feel immense excitement, peace, and deep gratitude to be joining a prestigious academic center with a mission that intimately reflects our values. We’re humbled and thrilled to begin this new chapter.
Dr. Barfoot starts his transitional year in July at Detroit Medical Center.
