Posted by munnabhai from IP 70.171.188.60 on June 30, 2006 at 16:17:25:
Dear friends,
I have been a great fan of this forum. I have shared my worries, frustrations, anxieties and gloomy moments. I took solace from other people who were nice to say kind words of encouragement.
Here goes my roller caster ride.....
I am an old grad- 1986. Scores 75/79/75.
Positive points: previous IM residency and Hem/Onc fellowship from my home country (i.e. India). GC.
Applied for almost 100 programs (60 IM + 40 FP) in 2004. FP was simply for back-up. Only 3 interviews (2 IM + 1 FP). Matched in an FP program, which was under probation. So last year, moved with family to US, joined FP residency. Applied for IM. PD/Chair gave me excellent LoR. Signed pre-match at a hospital in St. Louis. Withdrew from match. I was interviewed at my institute, too.
Anyway, after I withdrew from the match, my PD from pre-matched program calls me and tells me: "Sorry, our hospital is going to close down soon, i.e. in a few months. I would advise you to try post-match scramble." I had already lost my chance at the hospital, where I was doing FP residency.
I felt very frustrated. Rather than doing FP (I didn't enjoy it), I decided to go back to my country and practice oncology. I sent my wife and kids back to India, last month. I booked my flight for 2nd July. in the process, I sold my car, disposed of all the stuff, gave away some in charity. I packed everything and was just hanging around to finish the first year (to stay till 30 th June). Planned to leave the USA on 2nd July.
On 25th June, the PD of IM dept at my hospital called me and said this, "I have a position to offer to you. Would you be interested?"
Just imagine, there were only 4 days between me and final good bye to USA and I am getting this offer.
Can you guys imagine,how did I feel? Those words are still ringing in my ears.
Now I am busy with the orientation, etc.
Moral of the story..there is something like destiny, too. Luck, fortune, stars.
I don't want to discourage people from working hard..
So..if it is in your destiny, nobody can take it from you. Have faith in God and pray a lot.
Good luck to you all.