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Important factors included 1) applying to a lot of programs 2) applying to programs in a city with ample programs around in case we did not match at the same hospital 3) linking our applications together right from the beginning 4) consistently bringing up the fact that we were couples matching during our subinternships and, most importantly, our interviews. Our rank order list was 288 long and, as one can imagine, it was extremely difficult to organize. We both obviously wanted to do everything we could to match together, but we also did not want each other to sacrifice entrance to a great program for each other or even risk not matching. To ensure that we both matched, we ranked every combination between our individual lists. We prioritized being together at programs that we both loved and honestly would have been happy with probably our top 15-20 combinations.
How did you feel as you opened that envelope on Match Day?
Ultimately, Georgetown was both of our top choices for multiple reasons and though, I can only speak for myself, I think we were both amazed and humbled when we opened the letter. I also just had an intense feeling of gratitude that somehow all of our hard work (endless hours in the hospital, traveling back and forth, preparing for interviews, etc.) all resulted in the perfect ending because unfortunately nothing is guaranteed. We first met in Washington DC, working at the National Institutes of Health, prior to attending UNECOM so we are extremely excited to be able to return to the DC area to train.
What specialty did you decide on and how did you decide on it?
I am specializing in anesthesiology. It was definitely not a specialty I even considered going into medical school; however, all of the experiences I had and the people I met during my third year really influenced my decision. I really enjoy the diversity in anesthesia and appreciate the bridge it provides between surgery and medicine. My goals as of now, aside from surviving intern year, is to go on to complete a fellowship in critical care or pediatrics following residency.
Where are you going for residency?
Georgetown University in Washington DC for Anesthesiology.
What factors went into selecting your Match choices?
Couples matching was very daunting at first. I know of students who have successfully couples matched, unsuccessfully couples matched, and those who chose not to couples match because it can get so complicated. That being said, we looked into all of the different factors early in our third year of medical school.
Ivy Co, DO '18