What I Learned from Couples Matching into Dermatology and Neurosurgery

By Kripa Ahuja, MD

1. Align on Priorities Early

Couples matching is always complex. Matching into dermatology or neurosurgery alone is already a high-stakes challenge—doing both simultaneously adds another level of pressure.

From the beginning, we had to be clear with each other: What mattered most? Being in the same city? Matching at our individual top programs? Could we handle a one- to two-hour commute if it meant we could both train in strong programs?

Dermatology prioritizes high board scores, research, and strong clinical performance. Neurosurgery adds demands in length, intensity, and competitiveness. We quickly realized this process would require constant recalibration and a lot of compromise.

2. Communication is Non-Negotiable

We had to stay in sync, even when the process became overwhelming. Some weeks were dominated by logistics: applications, emails, interview invites. Other weeks, one or both of us felt discouraged, unsure, or just tired. We made space to talk through it—whether about scheduling conflicts, geography concerns, or shifting expectations.

We didn’t always agree. One of us might be excited about a city the other didn’t like. Or one of us might feel more pressure to prioritize proximity over prestige. But checking in regularly helped us stay connected and avoid silent resentment building over time.

3. Interview Season Requires Careful Coordination

Interview season required significant logistical planning. The dermatology interview schedule followed a standardized timeline, while neurosurgery varied by program. We often didn’t know whether we’d have geographic overlap until well into the season.

Most of the time, we were traveling separately. We used shared spreadsheets to track dates, locations, and updates. Some interviews happened in nearby cities, while others required more travel. Managing flights, cancellations, and scheduling changes became a regular part of our routine. While challenging, staying organized helped minimize stress and ensured we made the most of every opportunity.

4. The Rank List: A Balancing Act

Our final rank list included over 280 combinations. We considered location, program reputation, training environment, and long-term fit for each of us. Some pairings were strong for both, others required one of us to make more of a compromise.

We grouped combinations by region, talked through priorities, and adjusted frequently. The idea of a perfect match for both of us became less important than finding a realistic, supportive setup where we could both succeed. Creating the list took time, but it ultimately reflected what we valued most: being together and entering training environments that would help us grow.

5. Plan for the “What-Ifs”

We created contingency plans in case only one of us matched, or if we ended up in different locations. Would one of us reapply? Could we SOAP into a nearby program? Would we consider living apart for a year?

These scenarios weren’t easy to discuss, but working through them gave us a sense of control during an unpredictable process.

6. Match Day

We opened our Match email together, holding our breath. It wasn’t our top pair, but it was more than enough: two strong programs, in the same general area, where we could both grow—and be together.

The relief was immediate. It wasn’t perfect, but it was right.

7. What We Took Away

Matching into dermatology and neurosurgery as a couple required strategy, flexibility, and trust in the process—and each other.

There’s no standard path. But aligning our priorities, communicating consistently, and preparing for a range of outcomes made a meaningful difference.

We applied broadly, stayed organized, and supported each other throughout. It was one of the most challenging parts of our medical education, but we got through it—together.

Kripa Ahuja will be a dermatology resident at Howard University and is currently completing her transitional year at the University of Maryland Midtown Campus and working as a tutor for USMLE Pro. She couples matched with her partner, a neurosurgery resident at Johns Hopkins.

Facing a couples match, or just want to maximize your match chances?

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