🧵 Episode Highlights

• 🎯 Lauretta reflects on her unmatched cycle and lays out her strategy for a successful second try.
• 📬 Reached out to programs after matching into a TY year to request rotations and stay top of mind.
• 🏛️ Walked into the hospital surgical suite to self-advocate and was introduced directly to anesthesia leadership.
• 🤝 Attended the NMA conference and networked her way into new opportunities and rotations.
• 💼 Balanced TY rotations with strategic observerships and research to build a compelling application.
• 🧠 Credits The Sevo Sistas Podcast with giving her insight, motivation, and structure for her game plan.
• ✍🏽 Started working on her personal statement early and sought feedback from multiple mentors.
• 📱 Leveraged Twitter, LinkedIn, and cold emails to network and gain visibility.
• 🩺 Applied to 87 anesthesia programs → received 5 interview invites → matched at Medical College of Wisconsin.
• 🧳 Made sacrifices and traveled nonstop to attend conferences and rotations.
• 🔄 Demonstrated persistence, initiative, and faith throughout the process.

💡 Top Takeaways

• Don’t just apply — advocate. Put yourself in rooms where decisions happen.
• Build relationships before interviews — let programs meet you beyond your paper.
• Faith, boldness, and consistency are critical to turning rejection into opportunity.
• Networking works. Especially when it’s purposeful, strategic, and rooted in authenticity.

🔗 Mentions & Resources

• 🎧 Missed Part 1? Listen to Lauretta’s unmatched journey and what she learned the first time.
• 📌 NMA (National Medical Association) Conference
• 📬 Reach out to Lauretta:
  • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nkiruka-lauretta-nwangene-md-3237b162/
  • X: @L_Nwangene

Have a burning question? A concern? A controversy or issue you want to hear covered? We got you, boo!

Leave a voice message at 202 743 1404. We will play your recording on the podcast and address your topic (if you don't want it played just say it in the voicemail, we will still cover your topic!). This podcast is for you and we want to include you on this journey! Hope to hear from you soon

In this episode:

• Dr. Elisha Peterson opens the season with an honest talk for students who didn’t match into anesthesiology
• Special guest Dr. Nkiruka Lauretta Nwangene shares her journey — from banking and nursing to medical school and matching anesthesia after her second try
• Encouragement: Not matching the first time does not define your future
• Preview of past episodes with Dr. Julissa Patten and Dr. Chuma Azoba

Lauretta's Journey:

• Started career in banking in Nigeria before immigrating to Canada for nursing school
• Worked in bedside and management roles before pursuing medical school during COVID
• Discovered a passion for anesthesiology after her sister’s complicated childbirth experience
• First exposure to anesthesia through a clinical rotation in Chicago

Obstacles Faced:

• Lack of institutional support as an IMG (International Medical Graduate)
• Difficulty securing anesthesiology rotations and clinical experience
• No anesthesia interview invites during her first ERAS cycle
• Cold emailing program directors — faced rejection and even hostility
• Misunderstood the importance of networking over mass applications
• Used a non-optimized resume and personal statement for initial applications

Lessons Learned:

• Genuine enthusiasm during rotations leaves a lasting impression
• Persistence and showing up in person can open doors
• Need a clear strategy when reapplying
• Importance of professional guidance for CV, personal statement, and interviews

Preview for Part 2:

• Why networking — not more applications — is the key to matching
• How to make authentic connections as an introvert
• Practical game plan for the second application cycle

Action Items:

• Check out past Sevo Sistas episodes with physicians who matched on their second try
• Reflect on what gaps need closing before reapplying
• Tune in next week for Lauretta’s full game plan to succeed

Want to hear more from Dr. Lauretta? Connect with her on Socials

X.com : https://x.com/L_Nwangene

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nkiruka-lauretta-nwangene-md-3237b162/

Have a burning question? A concern? A controversy or issue you want to hear covered? We got you, boo!

Leave a voice message at 202 743 1404. We will play your recording on the podcast and address your topic (if you don't want it played just say it in the voicemail, we will still cover your topic!). This podcast is for you and we want to include you on this journey! Hope to hear from you soon

American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) Conference.

Key Takeaways:

• ASA Conference Highlights: Dr. Peterson will be attending and encourages others to come along, highlighting events to check out.
• You Can Be an Anesthesiologist Too: Despite challenges, many have overcome significant hardships to succeed, and you can too.
• Engagement Invitation: Dr. Peterson invites listeners to email, DM, or comment on LinkedIn with their thoughts and ideas on future podcast topics or pressing questions.
• Self-Care Reminder: A gentle reminder to prioritize self-care while navigating your career and life.

Resources Mentioned:

• ASA Conference 2024: Don’t miss out on the latest in anesthesiology—network, learn, and grow at the conference.
• Email: sevosistas@gmail.com
• LinkedIn and X: sevosistas Engage with us by commenting on what you’d like to hear next!

Listener Action Items:

• Rate & Subscribe: Don’t miss out on future episodes. New episodes drop every Monday!
• Share Your Questions: Send in any topics or questions you want addressed in future episodes via email or LinkedIn.

Quote from the Episode:
"It doesn't matter what obstacles are in your path—if you want to be an anesthesiologist, you can. Hardships don't define your future success." – Dr. Peterson

Next Episode Teaser:
Catch us next week for more insider tips on navigating the anesthesiology profession, staying resilient, and finding your path!

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Have a burning question? A concern? A controversy or issue you want to hear covered? We got you, boo!

Leave a voice message at 202 743 1404. We will play your recording on the podcast and address your topic (if you don't want it played just say it in the voicemail, we will still cover your topic!). This podcast is for you and we want to include you on this journey! Hope to hear from you soon