What advice would you give your younger self looking back on your own residency match day?

Sam Kant, MD, University of Maryland Medical Center

No doubt residency will be tough, but most of your treasured times in residency will be the ones you thought were insurmountable, but yet you surpassed them.

Kimberly Manning, MD, Emory University

I’d tell my young self: Relax.

Worry less about institutional names and more about whether you’ll be seen. You can get excellent training at a LOT of places. If you get your first choice? Cool. If not, it’s STILL cool.

You are enough. Know that and all will be fine. @gradydoctor #breathe

Mark Stephens, MD, Penn State College of Medicine

I’d remember to thank my support structure – family, friends, loves ones, mentor. No one matches alone!

Nathan Douthit, MD, Brookwood Baptist Health, Birmingham, Alabama

An older friend in med school came back to school after working and having four kids. He said, “education is a journey, not a destination.” I’d remind myself: wherever you match or don’t, there’s space for you to learn, grow, and enjoy the journey!

Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD, MassGeneral

The programs are as nervous as you are. They are invested in you, your training, and in creating a positive learning environment for you. You’re about to meet your new family and they can’t wait to have you!

Diana Anderson, MD, Harvard Medical School

The patients, families, and colleagues you will meet and know after the match are meant to be. Focus on these meaningful interactions and learning as much as you can and know you are in the right place for those you are helping!

Colleen Farrell, MD, New York University

I’d remind myself to let go of believing I can plan the perfect life path, or that such a thing even exists. And I’d repeat to myself something I believe deeply: at the end of the day, I am responsible for the doctor I become.

Jonathan Lim, MD, Baylor College of Medicine

You may be worried or nervous, but a new world awaits you – a new home, new friends, a bright and meaningful life in the practice of medicine. There will be opportunities you didn’t dream of, and ones you create for yourself. Great things are coming your way.

Abraar Karan, MD, MPH, Harvard Medical School

There is an anxiety provoked by the idea that your training institution will come to define your past and future success. “Will my past work be validated by where I match?” This is a mistake. Your past work is the same no matter what. And your future work depends on you.

Katherine Hoops, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Forget the complex algorithm of the various attributes of each program (I had a massive spreadsheet!). Go where you’re happy and you like your future colleagues. I did. No regrets. I am forever indebted to @uabpeds for the training I received there.

Colleen Christmas, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

You will soon find you have superpowers you never knew you had, and will be humbled by the beauty of other people in a way you can’t yet imagine. You will discover a new type of love. I’d do it all again!

Carl Streed Jr, MD, MPH, Boston Medical Center

Change the narrative of the Match from anxiety to excitement.

Also, any of the faculty who doubted your dedication can officially fuck off; you’ll soon find better mentors who support your passions.

Josh Wadlin, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Being a good med student does not mean being a good intern on day one. Being slow, confused, and making mistakes is part of the process. You will get better with experience even if it doesn’t seem like it at first. Do your best and be true to your core values.