Malke Asaad’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Malke Asaad. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Malke, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I think what I’m really chasing is growth with purpose. I’ve always believed that success means more when it reaches beyond yourself, when your experience can help someone else find their way. That’s why one of my biggest motivations is supporting students, especially international medical graduates, as they work toward matching. I know how demanding that process can be, the long hours, the uncertainty, and the persistence it takes, and it’s rewarding to play even a small role in helping someone get closer to their goal.

If I ever stopped, I think life would feel quieter, maybe more comfortable, but a bit less fulfilling. The drive to keep growing and helping others is what keeps me engaged and inspired. It’s not about constant motion, it’s about meaningful progress, one step and one person at a time.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Malke Asaad, and I’m currently a Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Resident at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center with a deep passion for guiding students, especially international medical graduates, through their journey to residency. My story is rooted in persistence, community, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Having gone through the challenges of navigating the USMLE and the match process myself, I understand how overwhelming it can feel, and that’s what inspired me to start helping others find clarity and confidence along the way.

What makes my work special is that it’s personal. I focus on people. As the CEO of The Match Guy, I’m dedicated to helping applicants, especially international medical graduates, navigate the complex U.S. residency process. For us, it’s never just about editing a document, it’s about helping IMGs shine, tell their stories authentically, and adapt confidently to a new system. From USMLE tutoring and interview preparation to ERAS application editing and personal statement editing, everything we do is built around one mission: empowering students to succeed.

At the same time, through RankRx, I’m helping residency programs leverage AI to screen applicants more efficiently and fairly, reducing the overwhelming workload on program directors while ensuring that great candidates don’t get overlooked.

Right now, I’m continuing to build on that mission, connecting with more programs and applicants, sharing what I’ve learned, and redefining what meaningful support looks like in medical education. It’s about innovation, community, and the belief that with the right tools and guidance, every student and every program can find their perfect match.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the most defining moments for me was when I first came to the United States to pursue my medical training. Leaving my home country and starting over in a completely different environment was both humbling and transformative.

I had to adapt quickly, not just academically, but culturally and personally. I saw firsthand how opportunity and hard work can truly redefine your path. It also gave me a deeper appreciation for resilience and for helping others who are walking a similar journey. That experience shaped my perspective on empathy, perseverance, and the importance of giving back, values I try to carry into both my medical career and my work mentoring international medical graduates.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self: “Be patient, your hard work will pay off.”

There were times when the uncertainty felt overwhelming, long nights studying and moments of doubt about whether I’d ever reach my goals. But every struggle was shaping me into the person I needed to become. I’d remind myself that success isn’t always about speed, it’s about persistence and consistency.

Looking back, I often think that if I had something like The Match Guy to guide me through those challenging times, it would have made a world of difference. That’s exactly why I created it, to offer the kind of support and mentorship I wish I had when I was navigating the same journey.

And I’d also tell myself to enjoy the journey a bit more, to pause and appreciate the small victories along the way, because those moments are just as meaningful as the big achievements.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
That’s an interesting question, and honestly, yes, the public version of me is very close to the real me.

What people see online or in interviews, the dedication to medicine, the passion for mentoring, the drive to help others succeed, those are genuine parts of who I am.

I try to keep my public presence authentic. I want others, especially international medical graduates, to see not just the accomplishments, but also the real person behind them, someone who struggled, adapted, and kept going. So yes, what you see publicly is me.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Right now, I’m investing heavily in things that are all about long-term growth, both professionally and personally.

In medicine, that means continuing to refine my surgical skills, staying curious, and constantly learning. Plastic surgery is a field that rewards mastery built over years of experience, so every case I study, every patient interaction, every late-night review session, those are deposits in a future I’m still building toward.

Beyond surgery, I’m focused on growing The Match Guy and RankRx, Through The Match Guy I’m supporting international medical graduates with the guidance, preparation, and resources I wish I had when I was in their shoes. And through RankRx, I’m helping programs use Al to streamline applicant screening and reduce the workload on program directors. Two ventures that reflect my commitment to improving the residency landscape from both sides. It’s long-term work that takes patience and persistence, but I believe its impact will ripple through the medical community for years to come

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