How these DOs matched into their top-choice programs

Medical students traditionally apply to residency programs during their fourth year. Many are hoping to match into their ideal specialty as well as their top-choice program. Throughout this article, I aim to demystify the strategies that successful medical students used to match into their top programs.

I talked to three DOs who shared their journey toward matching into their first-choice residency program earlier this year when they were OMS IVs. Below, please enjoy edited Q&As with each.

Megan Fedeli, DO: Mother of 6 who overcame homelessness

Megan Fedeli, DO, a mom of six children, matched into emergency medicine this year at University of Michigan Health-West. She was a nontraditional medical student who also experienced homelessness as a young mother.

“My journey and experiences have made me successful,” said Dr. Fedeli, who recognizes that there is a stigma that comes with not having a perfect journey. “Being homeless or a single parent shouldn’t stop you from getting to where you want to go. I want to help others realize they can push themselves past what they’re capable of.”

What support system did you have in medical school and while applying to residency?

I had met my now-husband, who pushed me to go back to school. When things got challenging, my husband reminded me of the bigger goal and how there was a light at the end of the tunnel. I sent messages to our GroupMe class when I needed help. It helps to feel like you’re not alone.

You mentioned you had big dreams and goals. How were you able to hold onto them?

I wondered if I should bring up being a mother since some programs might view it as a deficit. However, my kids are my driving force and not the reason I struggled. I wanted to be a role model and show my kids that obstacles are inevitable and the best things in life come with struggles and sacrifice.

Was there anything you did that helped you match into your desired program?

Having a tie to the area helped, but it was mostly my personal statement. I was very transparent and spoke about my journey with homelessness, failures and an accident my son experienced, which influenced my career goals. During interviews, residents appreciated how I was genuine in my answers. It was easier to form genuine relationships with the residents I interviewed with.

Many students have been given advice on not sharing anything too private in their personal statement. What gave you the confidence it was the right thing to do for you?

It stands out when someone can go past the blank statement of ‘this is what club I did.’ Yes, people in my school advised me not to share my struggles, but those moments are what made me who I am. If a program can’t appreciate my experiences, that’s not where I belong.

It seems like residency programs favor applicants whom they can get along with and are teachable. How do you maintain authenticity while showing interviewers that you are someone they could get along with? In addition to being transparent and genuine, talk about your hobbies instead of boasting about your achievements. Many med students have type A personalities, so bring something that makes you unique.

Maria Green, DO: EM resident who matched into her first-choice program

A 2024 graduate from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Maria Green, DO, matched into DMC Sinai Grace Hospital for emergency medicine (EM) in Detroit. She had originally been set on surgery since the age of 12, until she did her EM rotation in December 2022. On her first day, a code went off and her attending allowed her to place an intraosseous access (inserting a hollow needle into a bone to deliver fluids, medications or blood products directly into the bone marrow) after never doing one before, and the rest was history. She shares the factors that impacted her applications as well as advice on connecting with PDs and attending conferences.

Which factors influence competitiveness in an EM applicant?

Standardized letters of evaluation (SLOE) are required for every EM application. The letters are more credible when they come from a location with a residency program. Another factor is whether a person fits in at a program. “Vibe check” is a real thing and something I felt was important.

Is it important to attend conferences in your desired specialty?

They help give you exposure early on. As a med student I went to a Michigan College of Emergency Physicians conference and learned how to intubate neonates, perform CPR, work with fiberoptic laryngoscopes and triage patients. Had I been exposed sooner, I would have been swayed to do EM earlier because it was so hands on.

Furthermore, it’s always helpful to network. Networking at conferences is a chance for you to see if you can get along with residents from various programs outside of work.

Did you ever talk to the program director (PD) during your sub-Is, and if you didn’t, how did you connect with them?

On every single sub-I had, I worked one shift with the PD. Sometimes, if they are working, I’ll try to be more proactive. It’s good to take initiative, but also more important to take initiative around someone who has a direct hand in your acceptance into the program.

If students don’t have the opportunity to work with the PD, I would email whoever is in charge of scheduling and ask if you can work a shift with them. If they say no, ask the PD if they can meet with you midway to give you feedback, guidance on ERAS, etc. It shows you can take initiative.

If PDs don’t want to meet out of fairness to other applicants, what do you recommend?

Say, “thank you for your time, and I look forward to seeing you during interviews.” Then I’ll reach out after applications are done. It doesn’t hurt to keep connections open.

Melissa Nathan, DO: Resident who couples matched with her husband, Ben

Melissa Nathan, DO, graduated from New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State in 2024 and couples matched into the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria for general surgery while her then-fiancé matched into anesthesiology. Her passion for rural health and cultural background are crucial components of her journey, as she was one of the only Hispanic women in her hometown.

“I’ve always kept that with me, knowing that I want to serve Hispanic patient populations in surgery,” she said, as she shares her experience couples matching and her advice for other women who are interested in surgery.

Any advice for couples matching?

During sub-Is, my husband, Ben, would share insights about me to others in the program. The challenge was that I wanted to do residency at a community hospital or smaller university program. Meanwhile, anesthesia residency is usually at an academic center. During our first year of med school, we mapped out cities with both general surgery and anesthesia residency programs. Then, we compared requirements for each program before third year.

Finally, we emailed programs where the other got interviews from to share what we liked about the program. Many programs like couples due to the higher likelihood of you staying in the area.

For the rank list, have an honest discussion with your partner about desired location and where you would’ve ranked without your partner. Then, come together and make combinations for where you ranked. Making combinations is free on ERAS. We made 209 combinations.

If you’re not couples matching, but your partner lives in that area, how should you communicate this?

Frame it as, “I have a support system in the area and my partner is already established there. It would be great to have a built-in support system.” Residency will be the hardest time of your life. It’s helpful to have people who will support you.

How many sub-Is did you do?

I did five sub-Is in the same location as my fiancé but not at the same time. I was interviewed at each one except my first sub-I, which is common because you’re like a deer in the headlights during your first. Sub-Is were beneficial for learning how the operating room (OR) culture varies.

Do you have any tips for acing your surgery sub-I?

Every program has their own expectations, but by about the second or third, my then-fiancé and I realized we should mirror the interns because it’ll give an idea of what kind of intern you’ll be.

What is your advice for women applying to surgery?

My mentor said, “If you apply to surgery, you have to have thick skin.” Be adaptable, teachable and do not let things get to you. Keep inspiring other women and go back to mentor them.

Related reading:

Matching into your top choice: 8 OMS IVs share their stories and advice

How signaling is shaping the 2024-2025 Match season