The Match
The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Match is a standardized process that pairs medical students with residency programs based on mutual rankings. Integrated plastic surgery is one of the most competitive specialties, requiring early preparation, strong academic performance, research involvement and mentorship. By reviewing NRMP Match data – such as applicant numbers, match rates and program fill trends – students can better understand the competitiveness of the specialty and make informed decisions to optimize their application strategy.
I matched! What do I do now?
If you match into a plastic surgery residency, congratulations – this is a major milestone in your medical career! The next steps involve transitioning from medical school to residency with purpose and preparation. First, take time to celebrate your achievement and express gratitude to mentors, faculty and supporters who helped along the way. Then, begin preparing for the start of residency by reviewing foundational surgical knowledge, refining technical skills (such as suturing and basic procedures) and ensuring all required documentation and onboarding tasks are completed for your institution.
In the months before residency begins, it's also helpful to connect with your future co-residents and program leadership to start building relationships and understanding your program's culture and expectations. Use this time to take care of your physical and mental well-being, as residency will be demanding. Additionally, use this time to enjoy the time before residency, such as traveling and spending time with loved ones. Finally, consider setting goals for your intern year, such as developing strong clinical habits, staying organized and identifying areas for early research involvement, so you can enter residency with focus and confidence.
What should I do if I do not match?
If you do not match into a plastic surgery residency, it's important to remember that many successful plastic surgeons have navigated this same challenge and gone on to thrive in the specialty. The first step is to take a moment to process your emotions and then quickly move into action. Reach out to trusted mentors – faculty members, program directors or residents – who can help you objectively assess your application and identify areas for improvement. Their guidance can be invaluable in creating a tailored plan for the next steps.
Two common pathways for unmatched applicants include applying for a preliminary (prelim) year in a surgical specialty or dedicating a year to research, ideally within plastic surgery or a closely related field. A prelim year provides hands-on clinical experience, strengthens your surgical skills and may lead to new letters of recommendation. A research year, on the other hand, can boost your academic productivity, deepen your engagement with the field and expand your professional network. Regardless of the path you choose, remain committed, proactive and resilient – many unmatched applicants go on to successfully match in subsequent cycles with stronger, more competitive applications.