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Ankoor Talwar was in the gym when his phone rang. It was his dean calling, and the news she delivered would change the course of his life: "Ankoor, I'm sorry, but you did not match." For the first ten minutes, Ankoor was in disbelief. "You're lying to me," he thought, unable to process the reality that despite his stellar academic record and dedicated research, he had not secured a residency in plastic surgery.
This moment of shock marked the beginning of a challenging journey for Ankoor, a journey that would test his resilience, redefine his goals, and ultimately lead him to success. But the path was far from easy.
The Road to Residency: A Winding Path
Ankoor's journey began in Long Island, New York, where he was born and raised. His academic path took him through Union College for his undergraduate degree, Clarkson University for an MBA, and finally to Albany Medical College for his MD. This unique combination of business and medical education was driven by Ankoor's interest in healthcare entrepreneurship and innovation.
"I was interested in healthcare entrepreneurship and startups, figuring out how to innovate within the healthcare space," Ankoor explains. His MBA gave him a comprehensive view of the healthcare system, something he believes is lacking in traditional medical education.
The First Attempt: High Hopes and Hard Lessons
When Ankoor first applied for residency in integrated plastic surgery, he was confident. He had excelled in medical school, ranking at the top of his class and earning a place in the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He had even taken a year off between his third and fourth years of medical school to conduct dedicated research in plastic surgery.
"Going in, I was pretty confident," Ankoor recalls. But the world of medical residencies, particularly in competitive specialties like plastic surgery, can be unpredictable and unforgiving.
The Fall and the Rise
The news of not matching was devastating, but Ankoor didn't have time to dwell on his disappointment. The Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) was about to begin, giving unmatched applicants a chance to secure unfilled positions.
"That week was tough for sure," Ankoor remembers. "I didn't go back to the gym for the rest of the week." Instead, he found himself in a whirlwind of activity, rewriting his application and preparing for a new round of interviews.
With the support of his school, advisors, and family - including his brother who flew in to be with him - Ankoor navigated the SOAP process. The outcome was a one-year preliminary surgical internship at Georgetown University.
The Internship Year: A Time for Growth
The internship year at Georgetown proved to be a crucial period of growth and self-reflection for Ankoor. "It's crucial that you change your attitude... to be pleasant, to be positive, to be reliable, to enjoy what you do, to do everything with a smile," Ankoor says, describing the mindset needed to excel as an intern.
Under the guidance of Dr. Jackson, the general surgery program director at Georgetown, and Dr. Baker, the plastic surgery program director, Ankoor and his fellow preliminary interns found the support they needed to succeed. "I can't stress this enough how lucky I am to be at Georgetown," Ankoor emphasizes.
The Second Attempt: A New Perspective
When it came time to apply for residency again, Ankoor approached the process with new insights and experiences. His personal statement, in particular, underwent a significant transformation.
He focused on demonstrating how his internship year had made him a stronger, more experienced candidate.
The Match: A Dream Realized
This time, when match day came around, Ankoor was on the night float. He remembers the moment vividly: "I came back home, it's like 7 AM. You learn if you matched or not by like 10 AM. And so I couldn't sleep until I got the email that I've matched."
The emotions were overwhelming - relief, gratitude, and joy. Ankoor had matched with Dartmouth, a program that aligned perfectly with his interests in both clinical practice and innovation.
Looking to the Future
As Ankoor prepares to begin his residency at Dartmouth, he reflects on the journey that brought him here. The challenges he faced have given him a unique perspective on the residency application process and the broader healthcare system.
"It's a tough process. It's not perfect, certainly," Ankoor says of the residency application system. He sees room for improvement, particularly in how candidates are evaluated and in making the process more financially accessible.
But for now, Ankoor is focused on the exciting opportunities ahead. At Dartmouth, he'll have the chance to integrate his surgical training with his interests in innovation and entrepreneurship. "It was a good fit for me because not only do I get that rigorous clinical training in plastic surgery, but I can also get that other aspect in terms of innovation and entrepreneurship," he explains.
Ankoor Talwar's journey to residency is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of a positive attitude. As he embarks on this new chapter, he carries with him not just his medical knowledge, but the invaluable lessons learned from overcoming adversity. His story serves as an inspiration to medical students and a reminder that sometimes, the path to our dreams is not always straight, but the journey makes us stronger.
