Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41028534›Full record

ReviewDigestive diseases and sciences2026

Paving a Path Forward After an Unsuccessful GI Fellowship Match.

Kevin Houston, Aimen Farooq, Mariam Naveed, Amy Oxentenko, Mohammad Bilal, Nikki Duong

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Digestive diseases and sciences, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Kevin HoustonVirginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, USA. kevinvanhouston@gmail.com.
Aimen FarooqAdventHealth Orlando, Orlando, USA.
Mariam NaveedAdventHealth Orlando, Orlando, USA.
Amy OxentenkoMayo Clinic, Rochester, USA.
Mohammad BilalUniversity of Colorado Health, Aurora, USA.
Nikki DuongStanford University, Stanford, USA.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

The gastroenterology (GI) fellowship match is among the most competitive subspecialty matches in internal medicine, with approximately 35% of applicants going unmatched annually. For many trainees, not matching can feel like a significant personal and professional setback. However, this moment can also serve as an inflection point for growth and recalibration. Provided in this manuscript is a practical framework to support unmatched re-applicants in navigating the post-match period and strengthening their candidacy for future application cycles.It is essential to acknowledge the emotional impact of an unsuccessful match and allow time for reflection before re-engaging in the process. While there may be a small number of open slots that do not fill and are open for a scramble-type process, this requires rapid action and access to all application materials to be readily sent, at a time when the unmatched applicant is still going through the disappointment of not matching. Re-applicants should seek mentorship and honest feedback to identify gaps in their applications and set clear goals for the upcoming year(s). Strategies to enhance re-applications include engaging in scholarly activity, pursuing structured research or clinical opportunities, strengthening letters of recommendation, and broadening the scope of program applications.Ultimately, while not matching can be a difficult experience, many successful gastroenterologists have faced this challenge and gone on to excel. By reframing the setback as an opportunity to reflect, rethink, and restart, unmatched re-applicants can re-enter the fellowship match process with improved qualifications and a compelling story of perseverance.

Indexed as

Education, Medical, GraduateFellowships and ScholarshipsGastroenterologyInternship and ResidencyHumansMentorsGastroenterology fellowship matchNRMPUnmatched

Identifiers

PMID41028534
PMCPMC12982211

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.