Match Day is over. You opened your envelope, celebrated the big news, and now… what’s next?
If you’re a physician or a physician spouse, the reality is that moving across the country for residency or fellowship is exciting—but also overwhelming. There’s so much to think about: housing, logistics, schools, commute times, and connecting to a new community.
Here’s a simple roadmap to help you navigate the weeks after Match Day with less stress and more confidence.
Celebrate (Yes, really!)
Take a moment to enjoy your accomplishment. You’ve worked so hard to get here—don’t rush straight into planning every detail. A little celebration can help reset your mind before the whirlwind of logistics begins.
Start Learning About Your New City
The first week or two, focus on gathering information about your new home:
- Social media groups: Search for Facebook groups for your hospital, residency program, or city. For example, the Nashville Physician Spouses page is full of residents and spouses asking the same questions you have.
- Parenting resources: If you have kids, look for local moms or parent groups—they’re a goldmine for school info, childcare, and playdates.
- Local physician support networks: Some hospitals have “alliances” or auxiliaries that provide social events, support, and guidance for new residents and spouses.
Map Out Your Commute
Even if you don’t know your exact work hours yet:
- This will help narrow down where to live and make your daily life easier from day one.
- Factor in rush hour traffic and distance to hospitals.
- This will help narrow down where to live and make your daily life easier from day one.
Plan Your Move
Moving season can get busy fast—lock in these essentials early:
- Movers or rental truck: Get quotes and book your spot. Ask your realtor or colleagues for trusted recommendations.
- Budget: Determine your moving budget, including moving services, pet care, utilities, and new household needs. Include any relocation stipend from your institution if available.
Decide: Rent or Buy?
This decision depends on your timeline and goals:
- A realtor familiar with physician relocation can guide you, help you find rentals or off-market homes, and save you time and stress.
- Long-term (≥4 years): Buying could help build equity, and sometimes rental properties can be an additional source of income.
- A realtor familiar with physician relocation can guide you, help you find rentals or off-market homes, and save you time and stress.
Use Checklists & Guides
A few resources can make a huge difference:
- Moving checklists: Forward your mail, transfer prescriptions, set up utilities—don’t overlook small details.
- Relocation guides: These often include neighborhood safety, school ratings, commute times, and local tips from previous residents.
- After Match Day Checklist: Step-by-step actions for your first weeks in a new city
I’ve created a detailed Nashville Physician Relocation Guide and moving checklist for physicians and families. It’s a 30-page resource packed with actionable steps and advice to make your move smooth and stress-free.
Stay Connected & Ask for Help
- Reach out to local residents, physician spouses, or mentors for advice.
- Join support groups early—even virtual connections can make a huge difference. Join our Facebook community for physicians’ spouses, a space to share stories, ask questions, and make friends.
- Don’t hesitate to DM a relocation specialist (like me!) for guidance or connections in your new city.
Quick First 2-Week Action Plan
✅ Celebrate your match
✅ Join social media groups for your hospital and city
✅ Research neighborhoods, schools, and commute times
✅ Book movers or rental truck
✅ Set a moving budget
✅ Decide whether to rent or buy
✅ Start connecting with local mentors and physician spouses
Moving for residency or fellowship is a huge transition—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. With the right plan, checklists, and connections, the process can be manageable, even exciting.
For a deeper dive into step-by-step relocation for physicians and their families, check out Episode 3 of Behind the White Coat where I go into everything you need to know after Match Day.