How to Match
If you have an IR program at your home institution, use that as a training ground to learn as much as you can before going to your away rotations. If you do not have an IR home program, try to schedule programs you are more excited about matching into later in the year when you have a rotation or two under your belt.
Remember to choose an IR away rotation based on your lifestyle (including geographical considerations, family life and financial situation), the quality of the program, the types of procedures you are most interested in and your personal fit. You should rotate at a mix of programs. Rotating at only high-caliber programs is a risky strategy compared to rotating at a wider range in quality.
It is critical to only apply to programs you can afford. While some rotations have scholarships or financial assistance, this is not always guaranteed, and you will have to do extra research to learn what is available at each institution. Try to do away rotations near home and in locations where friends might be located to save money on housing.
is also essential to build connections with people you already know who successfully matched. These connections can be formed through SIR meetings, online through various social media platforms or simply through other friends and mentors you know. Even if they are one or two years out of the matching process, connecting with them for advice can be beneficial. Ask them for their feedback on your plan for away rotations, applications and personal statements and learn what strategies you could incorporate.
Remember: The goal is to not to exactly mirror your peer’s path, but to get necessary assessment on areas that you could improve on.
Letters of recommendations Think heavily on where you would like to obtain these letters, even as early as before the 4th year of medical school. You should aim to have three to four letters of recommendation and to secure some potential back-ups just
34 IRQ | FALL 2025
Remember: the goal is to not to exactly mirror your peer’s path, but to get necessary assessment on areas that you could improve on.
in case. If there is a research year or an away rotation you are interested in, connect with coordinators to learn more about the opportunity so that you have as much information as you can before applying.
Away rotations Most, if not all, IR applicants should do an away rotation. This is a fantastic way to demonstrate your work ethic, patient interaction skills and overall competency. It’s a chance to allow your personality and work ethic to shine through beyond your CV and test scores, and allows you to make connections with the institution.
Final reflections Make sure you are a well-rounded candidate and look into areas that may need improvement, such as research experience, letters of recommendation or leadership opportunities. Remember to tell your story and effectively communicate what makes you passionate, and ensure that your CV is reflective of said story. Check to see if there are projects, research or learning opportunities on your CV that you enjoy talking about and put in the work to complete initiatives that you connect with.
Program directors are charged with building strong and effective teams. Demonstrating your ability to advocate for yourself and showing how your contributions will bring lasting value will help you stand out as an asset.
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