REFLECTIONS
A
young medical student , going through her last clinical rotation , sighed in relief . Looking back , it seemed incredible that she had gone through four years of intensive studying and training . She had seen a variety of patients with ailments she had never dreamed existed . Participating in their diagnoses , care and treatment , she had witnessed the gamut of human emotions of love , hope , suffering , bargaining , joy and despair . These have tempered her own in anticipation of what she may have to deal with in the future .
With courage and trepidation she now awaits the verdict of where she will further hone new skills , to eventually alleviate human suffering on her own .
To find something that is the right fit for someone is defined as a Match . It could be a place where one can use one ’ s talents to the utmost and find pleasure and satisfaction doing so . In the case of new medical graduates , it is a choreographed process , ending on “ Match Day .”
In planning for the future , one ranks places , hospitals and training programs that give optimum preparation for one ’ s choice of practice or specialty . Likewise , the programs where the student has interviewed rank the qualities and potential the applicant offers , to
REFLECTIONS : MATCH DAY AUTHOR Teresita Bacani-Oropilla , MD
suit each institution ’ s reputation and needs . When both coincide , a MATCH takes place . Everyone finds out all at once , in mid-March , IF they matched at all . WHERE they matched , they also find out , all at once , later that week . It used to be less of a nightmare ; nowadays there are 2,500 more potential interns than intern openings .
Most applicants are thrilled or satisfied with their match . Opportunities for success in their field of choice for future employment or private practice abound . It will , they hope , fulfill their dreams of raising a future family , or for being near or far from one ’ s nuclear family for mutual support . The environment usually suits their temperament and hobbies .
Many , though not completely satisfied , look at all the possibilities of their lesser choice , make the most of what they bargained for and may alter their plans . After three or four years , however , many appreciate the training and experience and stay for keeps .
Woe unto those who do not Match , however . Although worthy , candidates have to scramble - and fast ! - to fill the empty slots that disappointed hosts had not filled . As fate would have it , some of these random picks turn out to be great successes , as in , “ It was meant to be !”
Match Day is another step towards a fruitful life . May it be the spark that lights up a bright future .
Congratulations , new doctors ! Dr . Bacani-Oropilla is a retired pediatrician and psychiatrist .
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