Maintaining well-being around Match Day
Laura Harris, PharmD, is a PGY1 resident at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, FL; Hannah Higgins, PharmD, is a PGY1 resident at Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital in Philadelphia; Bella Blankenship, PharmD, is a fellow at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy in Columbus, OH; and Tiffany Gilchrist, PharmD, is a PGY1 resident at Piedmont Athens Regional in Athens, GA.
Completing residency interviews, final-year rotations, and submitting rank lists can be overwhelming. The anticipation of Match Day (results of Phase I were released on March 19, 2025) can make it difficult to focus on well-being, as thoughts about interview performance and future plans take over. It’s essential to manage stress by celebrating small victories, such as completing the residency application process, securing interviews, and approaching graduation. Engaging in self-care activities like reading, watching favorite shows, or getting enough sleep can help maintain mental health. Staying engaged in current rotations also ensures valuable experience regardless of match results.
Reframing thoughts about Match Day from a place of anxiety to excitement can help reduce stress. Strategies such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and speaking with friends and family can provide emotional support. Setting boundaries, maintaining routines, and ensuring proper nutrition are key for resilience. The process is about progress, not perfection, and every step is worth acknowledging.
Process your feelings
Match Day can be an emotionally-charged event. Preparing in advance, such as requesting the day off from rotations or setting boundaries with friends and family, can help manage emotions. Whether receiving good news or facing the disappointment of not matching, it’s important to allow oneself to process feelings. If matched, celebrate and begin planning for the next step. If not matched, it’s essential to remember that this does not define one’s worth or capabilities. Success is about perseverance and learning from setbacks.
There are multiple options if a student doesn’t match in Phase I. Those still determined to pursue residency can enter Phase II (results will be released on April 23, 2025), where unmatched programs become available the following day. It’s crucial to communicate with preceptors for support and quickly update application materials, including reference letters and letters of intent. Since Phase II has a faster turnaround, acting promptly is essential. If Phase II is unsuccessful, post-match applications, commonly known as “the scramble,” offer another opportunity. Contacting residency directors beforehand can improve the chances of success, as it demonstrates persistence and dedication.
The process is a career-builder
Some may decide to delay residency and find a job instead. Many pharmacists return to complete residencies after gaining work experience. Strengthening one’s CV through leadership roles, research, and skill development can make future applications more competitive. Seeking feedback from previous interviewers can help improve candidacy. Regardless of the path chosen, the skills gained throughout the application process, such as networking, interviewing, and writing strong application materials, are valuable in any career setting.
For those who decide against residency, there are still numerous fulfilling career opportunities available. A PharmD degree is highly versatile, and employment prospects remain strong with appropriate licensure. Leveraging professional connections and mentors can help navigate alternative career pathways. Recognizing that the first postgraduate job is rarely permanent can relieve some pressure when making employment decisions. Prioritizing factors such as location, compensation, and work–life balance is crucial when choosing a position.
Another step in your journey
Ultimately, the path to residency is highly individualized, and self-worth is not defined by match results. Comparing oneself to others is unproductive; instead, focusing on personal goals and well-being is key. Regardless of the outcome, every interview and application is a step forward in one’s professional journey.
Taking time to celebrate accomplishments and embracing continuous learning will pave the way for a successful career in pharmacy.