Yes — this is a super late post!
I found it in my drafts and decided to finally share my journey. If you’re an IMG (International Medical Graduate) still waiting for your Match breakthrough, I hope this gives you some encouragement and direction.
My Background: Two Unmatched Cycles
I graduated from medical school in 2015.
That year, I applied for the NRMP Match, got a few interviews, but didn’t match.
The following year, I applied again.
No interviews.
Nothing in SOAP (Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program) either.
It was discouraging, and I took a step back for a few years to reassess and rebuild my path.
My Comeback Year: 2022
In 2022, I decided to try again — this time with a completely revamped strategy.
I applied to:
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114 Internal Medicine programs
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86 Family Medicine programs
I used Match A Resident to screen programs and focus only on the ones that fit my credentials and timeline.
During that cycle, I received two Family Medicine interviews: one through the NRMP and one from a Prematch program.
I was offered a Prematch position, accepted it, and withdrew from the Match before ranking.
After years of uncertainty, I had finally matched!
What I Did the Year Before Matching
Here’s everything I focused on during the year before I successfully matched. This is what I believe made the biggest difference:
✅ Worked a U.S. clinical job (2022): I made sure my role allowed me to earn strong Letters of Recommendation (LORs).
✅ Completed a research publication course: This helped me gain publications and strengthen the academic side of my CV.
✅ Earned my Medical Assistant certification: I completed my classes, externship, and NHA certification through Stepful which gave me both hands-on experience and additional LORs.
✅ Did a 1-month externship: This added U.S. clinical experience and another strong LOR to my application.
✅ Used Match A Resident: It saved me time and helped me focus on IMG-friendly Family Medicine and Internal Medicine programs.
✅ Practiced IVs and procedures: I practiced with colleagues and even attendings who offered to help through social media (Twitter, mainly).
✅ Refined my Personal Statement: I followed advice from Dr. Petersen in the MSSNY ERAS webinar — especially his tips on how to structure the personal statement to tell a cohesive story.
Watch it here: ERAS Webinar – Dr. Petersen’s Talk on PS.
My Experience Searching for Research Opportunities
If you’re an IMG trying to strengthen your CV with research experience, here’s what I learned:
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Research Fellow positions: Many prefer PhDs or postdocs. One program even said, “no medical graduates.”
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Lab positions: Often involve animal research, which wasn’t for me.
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Clinical Research Coordinator roles: I completed GCP and CRC certifications, but many volunteer positions expected one full year of service before allowing any shadowing or clinical exposure.
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Research Assistant/Data roles: Despite my clinical background, many employers focused on lack of research software experience.
After months of trying, I realized my time was better spent gaining hands-on clinical experience and publications rather than chasing unpaid research roles.
So, I shifted my focus, and it worked.
Key Takeaways for IMGs Reapplying to the Match
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Gain real U.S. clinical experience. Prioritize settings where you can earn strong LORs.
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Update your CV strategically. Add certifications, publications, and new clinical roles that demonstrate growth.
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Be intentional with your personal statement. Highlight your journey and what you learned from setbacks.
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Use tools like Match A Resident. It helps you identify IMG-friendly programs faster.
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Don’t be afraid to pivot. I didn’t get research roles, but becoming a certified Medical Assistant opened more doors than I expected.
Helpful Resources
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Stepful Medical Assistant Program (My Referral Link): https://www.stepful.com/medical-assistant?grsf=uja6it
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Dr. Petersen’s ERAS Webinar (Personal Statement Advice): https://youtu.be/Rvm5KB3P34Y
Final Thoughts
If you’re an IMG reapplicant or someone who has gone unmatched before, please know that it’s not over.
Every cycle is a chance to rebuild, refine, and approach things with a smarter strategy.
Your gap years don’t define you; your persistence does.
I matched after years of rejections and silence, and so can you.
