GUMC Update

Medical Students Meet Their Match

April 22, 2008

While commencement might appear to be the most important day for graduating students, many fourth year SoM students anticipate a day weeks before they receive their long-awaited degree. Match Day, the day when fourth-year students across the country discover where they will be spending the next three to seven years in residency, can be the biggest day of their time spent in medical school. This year’s Match Day was Georgetown's most successful ever on March 20 and drew students, faculty, staff, family and friends into Gaston Hall, the same location where students begin their medical school careers in the White Coat Ceremony.

This year, more than 90 percent of SoM students placed into one of their top three choices for their residency. And, up from 39 percent in the past two years, 45 percent of students matched into top 25 programs (as determined by U.S. News and World Report rankings). Members of this year’s class will head to institutions such as University of California-San Francisco, Northwestern University, Stanford University, Columbia University and Cornell University, and 21 percent of the class will remain at GUH or another MedStar program.

“This year’s Match Day proved to be a great success, and we couldn’t be more proud of our students. Their hard work over the past four years has paid off, and we’re confident they will go on to their residency programs to continue their careers with the dedication and commitment they demonstrated here at Georgetown,” said Ray Mitchell, dean for medical education at Georgetown University Medical Center.

“The big question of the unknown on Match Day can make it more emotional than graduation. It was very surreal,” explained Leanne Zakrzewski, who placed into UCLA’s family medicine residency. “Some of my classmates have already framed their letters, and I think there’s a lot symbolism in that.”

Leanne admitted Georgetown had a significant impact in her preparation for Match Day, and consequently, placing into her first choice program.

“Clinical years at Georgetown are unparalleled. Coming from Georgetown, people know you can jump right in and get your feet wet. People expect a high caliber student to come from Georgetown,” said Leanne, adding that faculty assistance was what made the difference for her. “I haven’t met any professor or attending who hasn’t been eager to help us or put us in touch with others who can. Georgetown’s great reputation comes from the attendings and professors.”

Submit your news at any time to the GUMC Office of Communications at gumccomm@georgetown.edu.

Copyright Georgetown University Medical Center 2007

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