Tufts MBS alum fulfills dream: Matches first choice for residency on Match Day
Match Day heralds a momentous occasion for medical students nationwide, a culmination of years of dedication and perseverance. Among them is Margaret Bayliss, MBS20, M24, a fourth-year medical student at Tufts University School of Medicine’s MD program and an alum of the Tufts MS in Biomedical Sciences (MBS) program, who shares her remarkable journey to matching into her top residency choice.
Bayliss’ path to Match Day has been shaped by her experience in the Tufts MBS program, a record enhancer designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in medical, osteopathic, or dental school applications. Initially discouraged from pursuing medicine, Bayliss found support and purpose in the MBS program, which provided her with the foundation she needed to pursue her dream.
“I was initially discouraged from applying to medical school by my undergrad institution,” said Bayliss. “I think it was just I had heard things like it was going to be too long and too hard and I had already felt really unqualified for it. And so, as a result, I spent a lot of time in peripheral health care fields, but I always felt really disconnected from patient care. I then took a leap of faith and I applied to the MBS program and immediately it felt like the right fit. The faculty was incredibly supportive, and I loved that the curriculum mimicked that of medical school. That was really important to me, and it felt like they gave me every opportunity to succeed. When I was accepted into medical school, it felt like this culmination of a dream deferred. And I owe it all to Tufts and to the MBS program for giving me a chance.”
The rigorous curriculum of the MBS program not only prepared Bayliss academically but also instilled in her a deep sense of resilience and determination. It was within this supportive academic community that she discovered her passion for medicine and set her sights on becoming a physician.
Transitioning from the MBS program to medical school, Bayliss found herself drawn to anesthesia, a specialty that resonated with her on a profound level. The intimate nature of patient care and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact inspired Bayliss to pursue her residency training at Tufts Medical Center, part of her home for the past several years.
Throughout her journey, Bayliss has been supported by the unwavering guidance of the Tufts community, from faculty mentors to fellow students. Their encouragement and support have been instrumental in her success, reaffirming her decision to pursue a career in medicine.
Looking ahead, Bayliss is eager to continue her involvement in medical education, ensuring that future generations of students are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Her journey from the Tufts MBS program to Match Day serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and the boundless opportunities that await those who dare to dream.
“Next, I think I want to be involved in medical education and continue to be involved in residency education,” she shared. “I think that it's so important to, you know, make sure students are prepared but make sure that they also know that there's a lot of joy and a lot of fulfillment in medical school. It is hard, but you can do it.”