Thousands of applicants received good news Monday when they learned that they had matched with a residency program. The National Residency Matching Program (NMRP) emailed applicants in the morning informing them of their successful status, setting off celebrations across the country.
Those who didn’t match were invited to apply for the NMRP’s Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP), which pairs them with programs that have remaining openings.
Those who matched will learn Friday where they will be performing their residencies based on their program interviews and preferences. A few shared their joyous reactions with us.
Kenneth Davis, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine
“I am so thrilled to have matched into radiology. It took many years of dedication and support from amazing mentors, family, and friends to reach what will be the most transformative years of my life. In addition, this is a win for my community in Selma, Alabama. I am proof that once you’ve set your sights on a goal, it is possible to achieve them even when major obstacles attempt to block your path. A quote by Langston Hughes says, ‘Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.’ Today, my dream is finally coming to fruition.”
Bersu Ozcan, MD; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
“Receiving the ‘Congratulations, you have matched!’ email has long been a dream of mine. The journey has been nothing short of incredible, and I cannot thank my family and mentors enough for standing by me through every challenge. To call myself excited for what comes next would be an understatement. I’m thrilled to join the radiology family!”
Aarya Ramprasad, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine
Opening the email on Monday, I was overcome with an unreal sensation, engulfed by a wave of gratitude and excitement. I cannot thank the people who believed in me and stood by me on my journey to becoming a radiologist enough – they are my true inspirations. Without their unwavering support, I would not be where I am today. There is so much change on the horizon, and I am so excited to be at the forefront of it. I’m thrilled to be joining this incredible community that has welcomed me with open arms!”
Kevin C. Serdynski, DO; Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
“I am overwhelmed with joy to match radiology. With the rising competitiveness of the field and going unmatched last year, I thought it might never happen. I am grateful to my family and friends for supporting me as I juggled my PGY-1 year and the reapplication process. I cannot wait to begin my career as a future radiologist!”
Christina Shehata, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
“I am so excited to have matched into diagnostic radiology! Radiology has always stood out to me as a specialty filled with kind, intelligent, and hard-working people who approach medicine in a unique way. I look forward to joining these physicians as a colleague and mentoring medical students interested in radiology in the future. I’m also deeply thankful for the overall radiology community and my mentors. Their investment in medical students and ongoing support have been instrumental in getting us to this milestone.”
Emily Sparks, Wake Forest University School of Medicine
“I’m so excited that I’ve matched into diagnostic radiology and can’t wait to see what the rest of the future holds come Friday! I wouldn’t be where I am today without the immense support of my family, friends, and most important, my mentors (shoutout to Dr. Geer, Dr. Hiatt, and Dr. Guenette, among many others) who helped me along the way. Congratulations, Class of 2024! We’ve made it!”
By Robert Martin, DO, MPH
My experience with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Match last March was disappointing. Despite matching into a first-year transitional year program, I did not secure a position in my dream field of diagnostic radiology. The setback prompted me to write a blog for the American Board of Radiology, expressing gratitude for the era of virtual networking, which fosters greater outreach and relationship-building compared with traditional methods.
Radiology has become increasingly competitive in recent years. Both while writing the blog and afterward, I was preparing intensively to enhance my CV for reapplications. Throughout this period, I was fortunate to have Dr. Omer Awan’s invaluable mentorship, guiding me through obstacles and alleviating anxieties. This article reflects on my experiences after going unmatched and my journey through a new application cycle.
Recognizing my limitations, particularly my low STEP 1 score, I set realistic expectations and focused on highlighting my strengths. While I anticipated fewer invitations from highly academic programs, I remained optimistic that through diligence and dedication, I could overcome these challenges. Immediately after going unmatched, I initiated independent research on topics of personal interest, scouring Academic Radiology and The Journal of the American College of Radiology journals for inspiration. I collaborated with fellow unmatched applicants to enhance our collective applications through virtual networking and participation in conferences. This significantly expanded my academic portfolio, nearly tripling my posters, presentations, and publications in areas important to me; all things that can be listed to show engagement on the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).
To further enhance my application, I sought honest input from my previous letter of recommendation writers regarding my personal statement and ERAS application. I also arranged additional shadowing opportunities during my downtime, despite the challenges of balancing family obligations and the demands of my transitional year program. These experiences reinforced my commitment to the field and helped strengthen my relationships with mentors.
The impact of going unmatched is often underestimated. It can affect a doctor’s confidence and demeanor, ultimately influencing their clinical acumen. During my intern year, I have remained resilient, actively seeking constructive criticism to improve as a physician. This has reinforced the importance of continuous learning, especially as the responsibilities of being a doctor begin to weigh heavily during internship. My partner’s support during this time was invaluable. Together, we navigated the stresses, with early mornings becoming routine as I worked on initiatives before attending to our infant twin daughters. Family and friends played a crucial role in my journey.
Reflecting on the application process, I noted significant differences from last year. The transition of ERAS emphasizing meaningful experiences encouraged genuine engagement rather than mere accumulation of credentials. This shift allowed me to delve deeper into why certain experiences were meaningful, showcasing my genuine engagement and their relevance to my application.
My applications have since been submitted and “Match Week” approaches again in less than two weeks. I now wait to hear if I matched with high hopes. In the end, I am so incredibly proud of the hard work I put into the process. I know because of the trials and tribulations, I have become a better physician and person because of it. Life is never easy, and worthwhile endeavors often pose challenges. However, perseverance can lead us to the right destination. Dr. Puneet Bhargava’s words during my initial setback resonated deeply with me: “Don’t let these minor setbacks dampen your spirit. They are not even a blip over the course of your medical career.”
Robert Martin, DO, MPH, is a recent graduate of Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine and current transitional year resident at Inspira Health – Mullica Hill. Dr. Martin has a passion for public health and sociodemographic factors related to radiology that started in middle school. His interests include furniture building, DIY projects, 3D printing, and spending time with his family. Follow him on X @Robert_Martin22
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