Match Madness

Each year, the latter half of March brings the first day of spring and the thrill of March Madness, college basketball’s premiere championship tournament. For graduating medical students, March also brings the excitement of Match Day, the day when they learn where they will complete their residency training. Residency training lasts three to seven years, depending on the specialty.

Match Day celebrations take place at medical schools across the country at exactly 9 a.m. PT on the third Friday in March, as students simultaneously receive their residency placements. This year, the University of California San Diego School of Medicine celebrated 130 matches, with the majority of those students remaining in California for their residency training.

The match process

The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) process begins annually in September when medical students apply to their preferred residency programs in the specialty of their choice. Throughout the fall, the students interview with programs and rank their choices in preference order. At the same time, the residency program directors rank the applicants based on their preferences. The confidential rank order lists from students and residency programs are then submitted to the NRMP in February, which processes them using a computerized mathematical algorithm to match applicants with programs. This year more than 47,000 medical students across the country participated in the match process.

As the graduating class gathered with their family, friends and loved ones, the excitement in the room was palpable. While the clock inched closer to 9:00 a.m. those gathered heard stories and encouragement from others who have gone before them.

“I have learned many things along the way,” Barbara Jung, M.D., associate vice chancellor and dean for the School of Medicine told the students minutes before the matches were revealed. “While you may have your eye set on a particular program or location, there are challenges and opportunities everywhere. Start curious and stay open. Your time here at UC San Diego School of Medicine has equipped you with a strong foundation in the art and science of medicine, as well as the skills to navigate complex health care systems. You have been trained to be empathetic, compassionate, and forward-thinking physicians, I know that you will make a positive impact in the lives of your patients and the communities you serve.”

For class president Victor de Cos, Match Day is a pivotal moment, “today offers an opportunity for graduating medical students to reflect on our career paths, embrace new beginnings and celebrate four plus years of grueling work, dedication and sacrifice,” he said.

As a UC San Diego undergraduate student, de Cos studied biochemistry and cellular biology, while also competing as part of the rowing team before beginning medical school. Now he is planning a move to Seattle where he will begin residency training in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

“I am feeling a mix of emotions. Just to imagine all of the options and places that I could be going and now I know. I will be getting married in June and moving in June. I am so thankful for all of my classmates and how we’ve lifted each other up during the hard times and supported each other through so many beautiful moments.”

Staying home at UC San Diego

As he reflected on Match Day, fourth-year medical student Emmanuel Elijah, remembers working in an analytical chemistry lab at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and watching all of the medical students going to and from the anatomy lab each week.

“After four years in the lab, I completed a post baccalaureate program and then matriculated into medical school which was a dream,” Elijah said before learning his match results. “My wife and I then had two children during medical school. I’m not sure how we made it all work, but we did. There are definitely ups and downs to juggle family and medical school, but I would not trade it for the world. We did it. We made it. I miss sleep, but I'm so excited and ready for the next journey.”

The next steps for Elijah will take place right here in San Diego. Surrounded by a community of family, friends, church members and his pastor, Elijah learned that he matched in obstetrics and gynecology at UC San Diego, his first choice.

“Let’s go!”

Elijah cheered exuberantly as he opened his envelope revealing that he and his family will remain at the place he’s called home since 2014 when he first came to UC San Diego to compete for the track and field team as an undergraduate student.

Continuing to learn

UC San Diego alumnus, Anthony Magit, M.D. ’85, clinical professor of otolaryngology at UC San Diego School of Medicine, and associate chief medical officer and pediatric otolaryngologist at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, encouraged the students to seek help and support when the residency training process becomes difficult.

“The past four years, or longer have been a time of exceptional personal and professional growth. The best is yet to come! Every day during internship and residency will be an opportunity to experience a once in a lifetime event, whether making a new diagnosis or meeting someone who you will remember for the rest of your life. Although the next years of training will sometimes require Herculean effort, remember there is world outside of medicine. Never hesitate to lean on friends or family when times are challenging.”

Camila Reyes-Martinez is looking forward to new opportunities and new learning as she matched into a triple board residency at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. At the end of her five-year program, which combines training in pediatrics, general psychiatry, and child and adolescent psychiatry, she will be board-eligible in all three specialties.

“I feel so great. I am so relieved and just so happy! This was my first choice! I am looking forward to meeting my co-residents, seeing new places and meeting new people. I am so excited for the future.”

As the Match Day festivities conclude for another year, Michelle Daniel, M.D., vice dean for medical education, implored the students to learn to love their work.

“My wish for each and every one of you as you embark on this next phase of your journey is to find great joy in your work. This is your moment. The profession of medicine is calling you forth. Wherever you match, your patients will need you – they will need your dedication, your skills, your empathy and your compassion. In return, I hope they give you great joy. Now, run forward and embrace whatever comes next.”