Medical Student Struggles After Unmatched Residency During Match Week

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Alicia Chen, 27, faced disappointment on March 17, after she received an email stating she did not match with an orthopedic surgery residency program, a notable and competitive field for aspiring doctors. Match Week marks a critical period for final-year medical students across the nation as they discover their residency placements following extensive interviews and ranking processes.

Throughout the previous months, Chen, a student at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, participated in interviews and ranked her preferred residency options, all focused solely on orthopedic surgery. “I decided to apply only for orthopedic surgery because it is the specialty I am most passionate about,” she told PEOPLE.

For those who matched, the anticipation continues until the National Resident Matching Program formally announces placements on Friday. Meanwhile, those like Chen, who did not receive a match, are left to strategize their next steps in the medical field.

In her social media posts, Chen had documented her journey in medical school but did not intend to focus on her residency applications. “My TikTok was more about sharing outfits and fun experiences, but I realized that this moment was significant,” she said. This revelation led her to share her experience with followers who may face similar challenges.

Chen’s emotional three-minute video response highlighted her intention to let others know they are not alone in their feelings of disappointment. “Today was difficult, and it’s one of the worst feelings to realize that after four years of hard work, I don’t have a residency lined up,” she expressed.

Her drive for a career in orthopedic surgery was inspired during her high school years involved in track and field. “I wanted to help athletes stay mobile and recover from injuries,” she said. During the final year of her studies, she sought out interviews at hospitals, including Inspira in New Jersey and Larkin in Florida, ultimately favoring Northwell in New York after a positive audition experience.

Despite the setback, Chen remains hopeful. She is considering the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP), which offers unmatched candidates the opportunity to interview for vacant residency spots. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Northwell or another opportunity that comes my way,” Chen expressed.

If SOAP does not yield a favorable result, Chen is open to taking a research year as a temporary alternative before she re-enters the matching process. “I know several people who didn’t match their first time,” she noted, displaying resilience and determination. “I still want to pursue orthopedic surgery, and if it takes an additional year, I’m ready for that challenge.”