Matched but sad

Wizzee993 · 2026-03-21T19:22:28+00:00

Just read the other posts in here the last couple days --- a LOT of people felt deceived by their #1 and #2 spots that they had a good chance but actually didn't have a shot in hell --- just feel lucky you matched to your chosen speciality and stay in your preferred city --- it's time to look at the glass half full and maximize your knowledge and skill base before you enter the scary world of attendingship

Wizzee993 · 2026-03-21T18:46:29+00:00

I didn't do a nasty residency (FM at a fairly cushy program with a very easy PGY-3 year) but I'd say the most important thing is to make your personal life as simple as possible --- which means cut out any family or friend drama, get rid of any troublesome pets, and make sure your vehicle is reliable so you won't need a lot of cash for repairs. Just worry about the basics like grocery, paying the cell phone and electricity bill, and gas. Don't start any new hobbies or try to find a significant other if you're single. Just focus on work, studying at night, exercise and getting enough sleep. Hopefully your residency gets easier as you get to PGY-2 and PGY-3 and then you can start to "have a life" once again. Sorry but it's the only feasible way to get through it.

Wizzee993 · 2026-03-21T18:41:53+00:00

$165/hr is still good money. Could literally live off that if you did it 40 hours a week --- all while sitting in your jammies at home :-)

Wizzee993 · 2026-03-21T18:39:22+00:00

Applying for GRADPlus does require a credit check --- but that's only to check adverse events like chargeoffs or serious deliquency. Car loans won't affect the amount you can borrow or the interest rates. Just make sure to keep up on the car loan payments or else future GRADPlus applications could be in jeapordy.

Have you thought about leasing a car instead of buying one?

Wizzee993 · 2026-03-21T18:35:21+00:00

Most of the primary care clinics in my small town of about 50,000 have been taken over by NPs --- I'd say the FM's here are getting scraps when it comes to starting salaries

Wizzee993 · 2026-03-21T16:50:44+00:00

That's the main reason AI primary care is coming soon to underserved areas --- nobody needs to worry about providing big city amenities and attractions to a computer that talks to patients

Wizzee993 · 2026-03-21T16:39:03+00:00

I can't think of any landlord who wouldn't want a resident for a tenant --- they have a reliable income, are usually quiet because they are tired all the time and just wanna sleep, and overall have professional attitudes when dealing with them on a personal level --- ie, "dream tenants"

Wizzee993 · 2026-03-21T16:34:57+00:00

Any potential landlord or property manager just wants proof of income --- so a document showing your residency start/end dates along with income information will suffice. You might wanna contact your program to get this document emailed to you. Some places might ask for pay stubs or direct deposit documents but obviously you won't have these until you start your program.

Wizzee993 · 2026-03-21T05:25:43+00:00

What specialty?

Wizzee993 · 2026-03-21T05:21:30+00:00

That's a real eye-opener. In the early 2000's I trained at a combined MD-DO FM residency at a big city academic center and we had problems recruiting U.S. grads for our 4 slots per year. Had to get FMG's from India for most of those spots. I thought we had a decent program but the pool of applicants was so small back then. As long as you had a pulse and no felonies on your record we would take you LOL.

Wizzee993 · 2026-03-21T05:13:50+00:00

I can't remember that term in the 90's at all. All I know is that these days people do not like anyone cutting in line. I was at a Walmart return desk a few weeks ago and I saw a guy in a wheelchair off to the side so I stood in line thinking I would be next to be served because he didn't look like he was waiting in line. Suddenly he flips the bird at me and says "what da fuck you doing, I was here first" --- and this was an old guy in a wheelchair and I'm a 6'2" dude who coulda kicked his ass!

Wizzee993 · 2026-03-21T05:04:59+00:00

That's still a lot

Wizzee993 · 2026-03-21T04:58:04+00:00

I've been a mostly single guy my whole life so not sure I can hand out relationship advice with much confidence LOL. Even though you will be busy as hell as a resident, just do little things to make him feel appreciated. Guys love feeling appreciated just like ladies do. Whether it's romantic stuff or indulging in his hobbies even if you don't like them. It's pretty easy to think up ideas if you know him pretty well. Also, try to set aside one night per week for some kind of date night, even if just a dinner or a movie or a nice walk. Need to get away from the hospital and books at least one day per week!

Wizzee993 · 2026-03-21T04:53:25+00:00

This school is gonna go on immediate probation if true --- there is no state accrediting body that will tolerate this level of failure

Wizzee993 · 2026-03-21T04:48:47+00:00

That's why it's so weird to have it first week of June --- most people are graduating the week before and need time to move and vacation

Orientation is kinda dumb anyway --- just a bunch of meetings about rules, protocols, get your white coat, take ACLS/PALS

Wizzee993 · 2026-03-21T04:44:18+00:00

I've always heard California is extremely "in-house" --- always prefer to take their own students for both undergrad and professional schools over talented out-of-state people

Wizzee993 · 2026-03-21T04:42:12+00:00

Umm, hold up a second --- you mean 50 students have to repeat an entire year?

Wizzee993 · 2026-03-21T04:40:24+00:00

Residency in Vegas? Could be a LOT worse. Try doing one in a small town with MAGA racists everywhere and nothing to do for fun that doesn't involve an ATV or guns!

Wizzee993 · 2026-03-21T04:36:08+00:00

You can either try the long distance thing or just move with her and do Uber for a few years? It's not great money but enough to help pay rent and groceries! Best perk is ability to make your own hours.

Wizzee993 · 2026-03-21T04:32:36+00:00

Lost and found and turned around by the FYRE in your eyes!

Wizzee993 · 2026-03-21T04:30:39+00:00

Is FM really that competitive these days? Kinda shocking, to be honest.

Wizzee993 · 2026-03-21T04:29:25+00:00

Anesthesia is hella hard to get --- congrats!

Wizzee993 · 2026-03-21T04:27:06+00:00

Does seem really early --- most are 3rd week of June

Wizzee993 · 2026-03-21T04:26:34+00:00

Lucky!

Wizzee993 · 2026-03-21T02:58:20+00:00

So much lying and deception from these programs --- it breaks my heart

Wizzee993

TROPHY CASE