I want to congratulate all 7500+ IMGs that were Matched during the 2021 ECFMG residency application process. Its been one of the toughest years for all of us and incredibly challenging for those who put themselves through the grind. 

Brighter things are coming to us soon. All we can hope for is to do our part by studying hard, building a strong resume (CV), personal statement, improving our English, and perfecting our interviewing skills by working on verbal & non-verbal communication.

And to motivate you all, I am posting Dr. Daniela Rodriguez's thank you message on her Facebook group, with her permission, and which I have found to be extremely motivating, moving, and at the same time encourages all of us on how to beat the odds.

USA Residency Match - Never Give Up! that, as of now, has 8.1K members benefiting from everyone's feedback. Feel free to join and visit her at: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2629554533956743

So, for now, I will leave you with this: 

At 10:58 am yesterday, I received an email from the NRMP saying, "Congratulations, you have matched!" And immediately, my hands began to shake out of joy and excitement. I couldn't believe what had just happened. Finally, after four attempts, my dream of becoming a pediatrician will come true.

Yet, looking back at the path it took to get me here, I can say that I found it filled with tough challenges and obstacles. But thanks to those challenges, I am the person that I am today. During the process, I met amazing people who were willing to lend me a hand without ever meeting face to face. Not only that, I became a better person, appreciating more and more the unconditional love my parents, siblings, and the rest of my family members have always given me. Most importantly, God's timing is perfect.

Since I started this process, it hasn't been easy at all. It became even more challenging when, after three consecutive tries, I could not match. Each time, it felt I was not going to achieve it. I couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel. But, at the same time, there was something that kept pushing me to keep fighting. After each defeat, I gained more strength. It was within those disappointing moments; I decided to create this group. Funny! What began as a Facebook group soon became an international family. I met people who were also going through the same difficulties as I was. Although not everyone was on the same path, what brought us together was the desire and willingness to keep fighting. I realized that I was not alone and that if you (the group) believed in me, I should believe in myself.

Today, I am writing to say "Thank you" with all my heart. But most importantly, to tell you that anything is possible and that if I could achieve what I achieved yesterday, everyone can. Never stop chasing your dreams, and don't let the negative thoughts limit you.

I also thank my parents, my friends, and everyone who was part of this process.

Never give up! 

Here are some of the people she wanted to thank, and I felt It was necessary to give them valid recognition for their input to accomplish her dreams...

Andrea Cortés Fernández

Alonso Osorio, M.D.

Residency Success

Varun Agrawal Sana

Khan Zeel Bhatt

Hernán Goicochea

Rossana Romero Orozco

Arielle Richey Levine

Héctor Fauricio Pinilla

Juan P. Ruiz Juan Camilo Rodriguez Cuellar

& Thanks for listening once again, and remember, episode 65 has Dr. Rodriguez as a guest, telling us about tips and advice about her path and the emotions during March 15th that is still flowing to this day. Good luck, Doctors, and get ready for July 1st. 

Stay in touch, and Remember to Download and Share!

Alonso Osorio, M.D. 

www.OsorioMD.com