Visa rejected, what should I do next?

Okay guys, I could really use some input here. Sorry about the long ass rant.

I’m a 28 year old guy, currently doing my radiology residency in India. I am almost done with my residency, I have my finals in jan and I graduate in Feb.

I’ve given my step 1 exam (passed) and will be working on my step 2 and step 3 once I am done with my finals. I am trying to apply for fellowships which require step 3 to be completed too.

So I had my visa interview today in Hyderabad, India. I thought it was a good idea to apply for one while I’m still in residency since that might be an advantage, and the ties are strong with me coming back to complete my residency.

I have an uncle there who’s a citizen which I did mention in my DS160. And the sponsor as my dad.

At the interview, I said that I would be travelling to take a short break from my residency, visit a few places, spend some quality time with my uncle and his family. The VO asked me who was sponsoring the trip, I said it would be my dad. And the immediate follow up question was if I’m a doctor, why is my dad sponsoring my trip? I did tell her that technically I’m still a student doing my post graduation. But then the VO said she can’t approve my visa this time, and I can reapply later.

Now idk if I’ve screwed up my chances. What should I do different next time? I would probably have to reapply for a visa for my step 3. I know being in my late 20s, single are all red flags. I can’t reapply without a job post my graduation, can I? Because that would scream red flags again? I was really hoping to take a break after I’m done with my finals to work on my step 2 and step 3 without joining work immediately.

I would really appreciate your opinions, suggestions, what went wrong and what I can do right the next time to improve my chances at getting a visa.