Watch: On Match day, advice from DO residents

For most fourth-years, Match day is a circus of heightened emotions, including anticipation before you receive your results, relief and possible apprehension about transitioning to the next stage in your career. No one understands that better than DO residents who were recently experiencing the same things you are today.

Here are the top pieces of advice three DO residents wanted to offer fourth-years on Match Day.

Relax

“Kick back and enjoy this special part of fourth year that’s meant to be a little bit of a recharge,” says Allen Shepard, DO, a first-year family medicine resident in Charlotte, North Carolina. “I hope you let your heart be light during this time, and just really enjoy the end of school and the beginning of your next chapter.”

Get ready to work

Third-year family medicine resident Jessica Edwards, DO, says when she looks back, she realizes Match Day is when the real work begins.

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“It’s important to get your ducks lined up in a row,” says Dr. Edwards, whose program is in Jersey City, New Jersey. “Get your paperwork in and get all the requirements that you have completed so you can hit the ground running as an intern.”

Talk to your program director

If you have concerns in your residency, first-year internal medicine resident Christopher Ho, DO, advises you to talk with your program director directly.

“If your program director gives you encouraging advice, I would just say give it your all and show them who you are,” says Dr. Ho, whose program is in Chicago.