Tips to Reach Out to Mentors when Reapplying to the Match
Written by Kamyar Ghabili, MD (@kghabili)
I matched in Diagnostic Radiology in Match 2022, back to my first chosen specialty, after my preliminary general surgery training and unsuccessful attempt in the urology match. Here are some steps I took as an IMG reapplicant, to reach out to mentors and advisors a few months before my application was due in September:
1. Don’t be shy! Share your story and career goals with any faculty member you have interacted with. People will vouch for you if you have already proven your pleasant personality and strong work ethic, but you need to ask. Even if you’re an introvert, this is the time to step out of your comfort zone, expand your network, and look for other mentors and advisors; those who believe in you and want to help you for who you are as a person, regardless of your credentials.
2. Reach out to your interviewers! Send emails to PDs/APDs you had an interview with during the previous match and try to meet them in person if geographically close to you. Those who were approachable during the match season and responded to your emails will most likely agree to give you feedback and comment on your reapplication. Use this opportunity as an additional source to re-evaluate and enhance your competitiveness in the specialty of choice.
3. Get the most out of your US research experience if you are an IMG! Continue staying in touch with your research mentor(s) or principal investigator(s). Send them your updated CV and the points you want to be highlighted in the letter of recommendation for the next match, particularly those related to your personality that can otherwise not be found on your ERAS application. Do not forget to provide real examples of each positive aspect of your personality, hard work, team skills, and critical thinking ability. Moreover, if you want to switch to another specialty or want to dual apply and have been involved in multidisciplinary research, reach out to those faculty from other specialties and ask for their mentorship and letters of recommendation.
4. Have a letter of recommendation from your intern year faculty! If you are doing preliminary or transitional year training and planning to reapply next match, reach out to the attending faculty with whom you had significant clinical interactions and received positive and constructive feedback during your rotations. Meet with them in person so that you can discuss your choice of specialty and your career goals. The best advisors are faculty members involved in residency selection and who have advised applicants in previous years. However, an attending faculty who is the most resident advocate and writes many letters of recommendation each year may leave you with little attention due to their busy schedule.
5. Attend conferences of official organizations tied to your specialty! Whether you have an abstract to present or not, I recommend attending a conference in your specialty of choice before all interview spots are filled. Lower your expectations to a minimum and share your story and goals with any faculty member or resident you meet from different institutions. You will need a supportive network of mentors and residents to help you with any step of your ERAS application (e.g., reviewing your personal statement or CV) or a mock interview to even vouch for you in their program. Do not miss out on social events where faculty members are more approachable. Residents are also key sources to know whom to contact in their program for a letter of interest.
6. Use social media professionally! If you use social media such as Twitter for networking and as a resource before or during the Match season, I recommend professional visibility, avoiding any conflict, while demonstrating positive and unique aspects of your personality: creativity, helping your peers and co-applicants, sharing your knowledge, and teamwork. People will see your professionalism and can offer you mentorship.
