Resident making friends for life at Memorial Hermann
Third in a series of first-year residents looking back on Match Day 2023
By Samantha White
Ahead of this year’s Match Day, held March 15, we’ll be sharing a series of member profiles of PGY-1 residents who matched into family medicine in Texas in 2023. Whether you were in the inaugural class of the National Residency Matching Program’s Match in 1952, or plan to match into family medicine in the next few years, the excitement of Match Day is contagious and undeniable. It’s a day of inspiring and emotional anticipation and exhilaration and something we look forward to every year. Watch TAFP spaces for upcoming Match Day coverage.
Kristie Pham Tu, MD, MBA
PGY-1, Memorial Hermann Family Medicine Residency Program
What was your Match Day 2023 experience?
It is tradition for my medical school, UTSW, to host a class-wide Match Day celebration on campus. On Match Day, my adopted mom and my boyfriend were able to come watch me open my envelope. I was also fortunate to have had my college best friend fly in from Los Angeles for the big reveal. And for my other family members who could not join me in person, we made sure to have a live video call so that they could celebrate virtually, too!
When I read my match result, I was absolutely over the moon to have found out that I would be going to my top choice program. I was also ecstatic when I discovered that one of my classmates would be joining me as my co-resident; Dr. Ajaz and I had even interviewed on the same day together! All in all, I couldn't have been happier to have ended up where I did. I was also so grateful that I would have the extra support of family knowing that I would be completing the next challenging few years of residency closer to home in Houston.
Do any specific moments stick out for you a year later?
I remember being driven to lunch right after the Match reveal and being completely surprised when my residency program video-called me to say hello! They even popped confetti when I picked up the call – it was completely adorable and so representative of just how warm and welcoming my program is.
Tell us a few of your favorite experiences from your first year as a resident.
We recently had our annual resident retreat and it was an incredibly joyous day of spending quality time with my entire program's cohort. I got to reflect on how far we interns have come and was re-energized with enthusiasm for all of the experiences that I am yet to have in our training.
I have been wanting forever to have a dog, and so, shortly after Match, I ended up adopting a four-month-old puppy named Dori... and about four months later into residency... I adopted a kitten named Ranch (for my puppy, of course). They are such a handful together, but we love them to pieces and I now can't imagine getting through residency without their cuddle sessions. They are some of the best parts about coming home from a long day at work. And to be fair, although this worked out great for me, I would not recommend adopting new pets without proper support at home (thanks, Chris).
And last but not least, some of my favorite experiences this year have been as simple as getting boba tea after a clinic day with my co-residents. I am so happy to have found not only amazing colleagues but friends for life.
What advice would you give to students who are currently waiting to find out where they match?
No matter what happens in the process, you should be tremendously proud of yourself for getting to Match Day. This in itself is a huge accomplishment that has taken years and years of hard work and intention. I know that medical students are constantly working towards the next step, goal, etc., but try to make some time before Match or during the day itself to truly acknowledge how much you have accomplished and to deeply appreciate those who have been there for you all along the way.
What about students who have not yet begun the Match process?
The Match process is just as much about finding the right program for you as it is for the programs to find the right residents, so when it comes time, don't be afraid to ask the questions important to you. Furthermore, don't be afraid to reach out to residents that you meet during the process, whether it's weeks or months later, or literally the week of rank-list finalization. Our specialty is certainly a friendly bunch and we are always happy to guide you in any way we can. I will forever be thankful to the many residents to whom I reached out for advice.