Rank list Advice With match day shortly around the corner I figured this rank list advice post would be fitting for the time period. As a MS4 you’ve dedicated AT LEAST the last 8 years to your road to becoming a physician. Creating your rank list can be daunting but I just encourage you to take a step back and look at how far you’ve come! Some of you may have known you’ve always wanted to become a doctor your whole lives, and others this may be a second or even third career choice for you. No matter your background don’t let it cloud your judgement for your future.
To everyone finalizing their rank lists I wanted to share some advice with you. I remember sitting in your exact shoes 2 years ago. I’ve outlined some of my top tips for creating the best rank list for YOU:
Don’t just rank all of the top programs:
Rank the program highest based on how supported you’d feel there. Make sure you believe you will actually be happy there. After all you’re going to spend the next minimum 3 years there you might as well be happy and feel supported. You may think that medical school is hard (which it is) but Residency is CHALLENGING. You will be pushed not only knowledge wise, but physically, mentally and emotionally.
*Remember, the support is not limited to just the faculty/residents in the program. Also consider the environment and city you’ll be living in which leads me to my next point below
Keep your support system in mind:
When composing your rank list if you have a spouse, significant other and/or children make sure you keep them in mind. Those people likely have been your rocks for the past 4+ years. You want to make sure they are also going to be living in a place where they feel comfortable and can further their career choices or school if that what they aspire to do.
On the flip side of this if your single or it’s just not an option for you to live in the same city as your support system this point is especially important. You need to ask yourself how accessible will by support system be from this city? Does being close to your family/friends matter to you? For me although I am married and entered residency pregnant I knew that with all of these life changes I wanted to be close to extended family and close friends. So this heavily factored into my rank list.
Does Diversity matter to you?
In my opinion it should matter to everyone, but nevertheless if that’s a must for you, make sure your ranking programs that actually reflect that value. I’ve visited programs where this was said on their website and during the interview but then looking at the current residents and faculty it is not reflected (based on background, previous training, ethnicity and etc). I believe that the first step to creating a diverse environment starts with the people.
Talk to the current residents and graduates of the programs:
Do this as your able to, it really helps to get honest feedback about the program from not only a trainee’s perspective but as a previous trainee and now attending or fellow. Programs are of courses evolving but you will be able to get a sense of the culture that you’ll be expected to survive and thrive in over the next few years from talking with people. I find that people tend to be more honest if your speaking to them in person. You can really get sense for if they are actually happy and read their body language. This may not always be possible so phone and email also work.
The ball is in your court:
Many students think that you have no choice when it comes to their rank list and match day. Although it may seem like that, the match actually DOES work in the applicants favor. So please don’t make your rank lists based off of what looks cool/good on paper, what your classmate is doing, or what fellowship you think you might get into if you go to this certain program.
What works for someone else may not work for you, and that’s completely OKAY. What is more important is what works for you, your happiness, goals and dreams. Remember residency doesn’t last forever but memories do. Make sure you’ll be able to look back at this challenging period of life and be able to remember the feeling of being supported, challenged, and lifted up when you fall.
Good luck to everyone with making their rank lists and with the Match. You are your ancestor’s wildest dreams! Comment below your top tips you’d like to share regarding rank list advice!
TheActiveMedic