EM Match Advice 46 | Program Directors Share Match Season Insights

As interview season wraps up, medical students across the country are preparing their rank lists for the upcoming Match. EM Match Advice podcast host, Dr. Sara Krzyzaniak (Stanford EM Program Director) recently sat down with Dr. Melissa Parsons (University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville EM Program Director), to discuss the match process from both program and applicant perspectives.

Podcast: Match Season Insights

Podcast Sound Engineer: Dr. Kaitlin Bowers

What’s Happening on the Program Side?

Programs are busy finalizing their rank lists through comprehensive meetings with their teams. Many programs, including UF Jacksonville, are intentionally completing their rank lists before hosting second looks in February. This approach ensures that second look attendance doesn’t influence ranking decisions.

Do Letters of Intent Matter?

The impact of post-interview communication varies by program. While some program directors may give slight consideration to genuine letters of intent, there’s a consensus that “ranking you highly” letters carry little weight. Dr. Parsons notes that programs can verify the authenticity of “#1” declarations on Match Day, making honesty crucial in these communications.

Creating Your Rank List: What Really Matters

Focus on these key factors:

Mentorship opportunities
Program reputation and graduate outcomes
Geographic location
Support systems and work-life balance
Clinical training environment
Fellowship and career opportunities
Your gut feeling about the program

What to avoid:

Overvaluing others’ opinions on programs
Putting too much stock in online forums/spreadsheets
Making decisions based on minor perks or small salary differences

Strategic Advice for Applicants

Make Your List Early: Write down your rankings and display them somewhere visible. Live with the list for a few weeks before certification.
Consider Location: Think beyond the hospital – where do you want to live for the next 3-4 years?
Be Thorough: While top and bottom choices might be clear, pay special attention to middle-ranked programs. Given recent Match unpredictability, thorough consideration of all ranked programs is crucial.
Attend Second Looks Strategically: Use these opportunities to gather information for your decision-making, understanding that programs should have their lists finalized beforehand.

Important Dates

February 3, 2025: Rank list entry opens
March 5, 2025: Rank list certification deadline
March 21, 2025: Match Day

Final Thoughts

Remember that the Match algorithm favors applicant preferences. Focus on creating a rank list that reflects your true preferences rather than trying to predict where programs might rank you. Trust your instincts and prioritize what matters most to you in your training journey.