Getting Ready for Your Next Match ❤ — Grow, Prepare, Help Others

Looking back on Match 2020, I remember how much preparation, kindness and support mattered ❤ I hope these lessons help you through your own season.

What helped me during my Match 2020 journey as an IMG with Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores of 234 and 244? Step 1 was numerically scored then; today it is pass/fail.

How to improve yourself

Start with being nice, humble, willing to help and approach people, also be approachable and kind to others! People can tell when you are doing something because you really mean it , or to take advantage of the situation (specially interviewers).

I know in medical school a lot of people are into themselves, very competitive and don’t like to share things.

THIS IS REAL LIFE, WE ARE HERE TO HELP THE WORLD AND OTHERS.

•If your friend needs your notes because he couldn’t show up to class:

SHARE WITH THEM.

•If someone doesn’t understand a concept that you know very well:

EXPLAIN IT TO THEM.

•If you learn something useful that can help your peers:

DON'T KEEP IT TO YOURSELF.

Kindness creates trust and makes our community stronger. It cannot guarantee a Match result, but it matters in the way we care for people.

We can all practice more empathy and generosity in our everyday lives.

It’s time to grow your empathy, your kindness.

Helping others can build meaningful relationships and opportunities. Do it because people deserve care, rather than treating kindness as a transaction.

All of the Pogram Directors of the places where I interviewed they told me that I would be a great resident in their program and they would really like me to there.

During my own application season, I read about the programs, hospitals, and interviewers' work. Looking back, I would also encourage practicing clear answers and asking for feedback.

I did not do mock interviews at that time. That was my personal choice—not a recommendation to skip preparation. Practice can help you feel comfortable while still being yourself.

My take point here is not about whether you should or should not prepare yourself for an interview. That’s not my point at all. I mean deeply than that.

It's not about being "nice" that one day or preparing for an interview.

You shouldn't just prepare for an interview, you should prepare yourself for life; which is not just a 2-4 weeks preparation process pre interview season. It's a state of being and acting on your daily basis. That's my point.

Your application is more than a single number. Programs weigh many factors, and their criteria differ. Build an honest application that shows your preparation, growth, and contribution.

Treat every person with respect, including coordinators, residents, and staff. Professionalism should be part of your daily habits.

Please if you are committed to this USMLE journey, also commit HELPING OTHERS!

Ask for detailed letters from doctors who know your work, describe your experiences accurately, and choose research or clinical opportunities that fit your goals. There is no single checklist that guarantees an interview.

I will continue posting some tips, I’m just taking my time to write all of this because I WANT YOU TO SUCCESS, to become a great doctor!

I want you to REPRESENT YOUR COUNTRY, and show to the program 𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗢𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗦 𝗔𝗥𝗘!! 🌎 🌍 👩🏾‍⚕️ 👨🏻‍⚕️ 🧑‍⚕️ 🗺

Love you all ❤ Keep learning and supporting your peers. Give yourself room to rest, recover, and ask for help along the way.

When you share advice online, use reliable sources and make clear what comes from your own experience.

Choose a sustainable study routine. Consistency and recovery work together.

Best to you all!! Sebastian Arruarana, MD Fb page: Doctor Sebas 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺: @doctor.sebas

YOUR NEXT STEP ❤ Pick one realistic improvement for this week: a mock interview, a clearer experience description, a thoughtful mentor conversation, or a study plan you can sustain.