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As the clock ticks down to Match Day, the air in Rutgers New Jersey Medical School is thick with anticipation. Among the sea of nervous faces, Jai Shahani stands out - not just for his calm demeanor, but for the unique path that brought him here. Jai is about to complete a 7-year BA/MD program, an accelerated journey that has been both challenging and rewarding. "I remember the moment I decided to pursue this path," Jai recalls, "I was working as an EMT in high school, and I knew then that medicine was my calling. The 7-year program at Rutgers was a perfect fit - it allowed me to chase my dreams while being mindful of the rising costs of education."
Racing Through Med School: The 7-Year Sprint
Jai's decision to enroll in the accelerated program wasn't just about saving time - it was a calculated move born out of necessity and ambition. "My parents are immigrants from India," Jai shares, his voice tinged with pride. "We didn't have a very good financial background when I was growing up. I knew that time and money were limited, so getting my education done sooner would benefit me and my family."
The program required intense focus and discipline. Jai completed all undergraduate requirements and took the MCAT by his third year, allowing him to start medical school a year early. "It was challenging," he admits, "but it prepared me well for the demands of medical school and ultimately, the residency application process."
A Day in the Life: Balancing Studies and Research
A typical day for Jai during his accelerated program was a whirlwind of activity. "I'd wake up at 6 AM, hit the books for a few hours, then head to classes," he recounts. "Afternoons were often spent in the lab, working on research projects. Evenings were for review and preparation for the next day. It was intense, but exhilarating."
Despite the rigorous schedule, Jai found time to pursue research opportunities that took him far beyond New Jersey. "I presented my work in Boston and even participated in a global scholar program in Mumbai, India," he says, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "These experiences not only enhanced my resume but also broadened my perspective on medical practices in different settings."
The Pivotal Moment: Choosing a Specialty
As Jai progressed through his clinical rotations, he found himself at a crossroads. His early interest in vascular surgery was being challenged by a newfound passion for neurology. "It was during my neurology clerkship that everything clicked," Jai explains, leaning forward in his chair. "I met Dr. Sushant Arour and Dr. Priyanka Khandewal, who introduced me to vascular neurology and endovascular neurosurgery. It was like finding the missing piece of a puzzle - it combined my interests in vascular surgery and neurology perfectly."
This 'aha' moment didn't come easily. Jai had to weigh his options carefully, considering not just his interests but also the lifestyle and future prospects of each specialty. "I loved the groundbreaking technological innovations in neurology," he says. "But more importantly, I loved working with the patients and the team. It just felt right."
The Match Process: A Roller Coaster of Emotions
As Match Day approached, Jai found himself in a whirlwind of applications and interviews. He applied to 60 programs, focusing on neurology while also considering preliminary internal medicine programs.
"The interview process was intense," Jai admits with a chuckle. "I had to flip-flop between internal medicine and neurology mindsets. But I made sure to research each program thoroughly. I wanted to show them that I wasn't just another applicant - I was genuinely interested in their program."
The waiting period after submitting his rank order list was nerve-wracking. "I was constantly thinking about contingency plans," Jai says, shaking his head at the memory. "I was looking at apartments in different locations, trying to imagine what my life would look like in each scenario. It was a mix of excitement and anxiety."
The Big Reveal: Match Day Arrives
When Match Day finally arrived, Jai's nerves were at an all-time high. "I only read the top of my match letter at first because I was so excited," he recalls, grinning. "I found out that my preliminary program was at my home school, NJMS. Then I read further and realized I'd be at Lenox Hill and Staten Island University for neurology. It was like winning the lottery!"
Jai's match wasn't just about the program - it was about finding the perfect balance between his career aspirations and personal life. "Being close to my family and social circle was important to me," he explains. "The program I matched with is right in the middle of everything. I couldn't have asked for a better location."
Looking Ahead: Preparing for Residency
Now, as Jai prepares to start his residency, he's filled with a mix of excitement and nervous energy. "I'm starting orientation in about a week," he says, his voice filled with anticipation. "Right now, I'm focused on setting up a routine, adjusting to my new neighborhood, and completing all the onboarding modules."
Despite the busy preparations, Jai is taking time to reflect on his journey and the path ahead. "This is a good time to focus on my personal life a bit," he admits. "After four years of intense focus on medical school, it's important to find that balance."
As our conversation wraps up, Jai offers a piece of advice for future medical students: "Be curious about the programs you're applying to. Know them inside and out. And remember, no program is perfect - choose the one that aligns best with your interests and will keep you happiest. After all, it's going to be four years of your life!"
With his match at Northwell Health, encompassing Staten Island University and Lenox Hill Hospital, Jai is poised to embark on the next chapter of his medical journey. His story serves as an inspiration to future medical students, highlighting the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and staying true to one's passions in the challenging yet rewarding path of medicine.
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