S6E21: Beyond Match Day—Setbacks and the SOAP Process

According to the American Medical Association, less than 10% of U.S. medical school graduates will encounter the setback of not matching into a residency program each year. Despite being labeled as a 'lottery system,' the Match process can feel intensely personal when you are the only one left unmatched. It is difficult to not experience feelings of shame and inadequacy, and struggle with the fear of not being 'good enough.' What happens to your medical career if you do not match? In S6E21, Lina talks with fellow recently graduated MD, Kaitlyn Whitesitt, about her multiple attempts to secure a spot in residency, not matching, and the emotional whirlwind of not having enough time to process the disappointment before diving into the SOAP process—a system designed to match unfilled residency positions with eligible unmatched applicants.