A Path to Find a PGY-2 Position
Written by Michael Galibov, DO
I have been impressed with how vocal people have been this cycle after not matching. Last year, when I did not match into PM&R, I wanted to crawl into a hole and lay in the dark until I either woke up from that bad dream or something illuminated the reason why I didn’t match. While I commend the staunch resiliency of both friends and strangers, I want to make it known that it’s okay to not be okay. There’s no right answer at the moment. Going unmatched hurts.
That disappointment becomes a chapter. While my life wasn’t always rainbows and butterflies, this was my first true setback. My entire career and educational trajectory had been rather linear to that point, with no bumps, retakes, or gap years. So, naturally, when I learned that I did not match into PM&R, I was lost.
After medical school graduation in May 2021, I completed a transitional year and applied to PM&R again this cycle. On March 18, 2022, I matched into a PGY-2 PM&R position. A blessing. Sometimes there’s a reason for this type of setback, and other times there’s not. I am proud of both my applications to Match 2021 and to Match 2022. While I can probably describe the differences between those two, the crux of it all was having a game plan and sticking to it, all the while adding people to my network. For those of you who plan to reenter the match, I am willing to help however best I can.
I feel very lucky to have turned my fortunes, but at the same time, I worked at it. I never knew if the work would be fruitful, and it was difficult at times to balance a demanding yet rewarding job, interviews, extracurriculars, research opportunities, living away from home, and well, life. I got through it all because of my loved ones, near and far, as well as stalwart mentorship from those who walked this road before me. You need people in your corner, working to turn that hurt into fuel.
I went into the match expecting a paved expressway. The reality of my experience showed some potholes, curves, construction, and even a tire that fell off the back of a truck. Ultimately, I got to the exit I needed - and you will too.
