University of Arizona’s Medical Students Discover Residency Destinations on Match Day
For over 200 medical students at the University of Arizona, Match Day was a pivotal moment, determining the next steps of their medical careers. Celebrations unfolded at the College of Medicine in Tucson and Phoenix, where students discovered their residency placements in unique ways—either through envelopes or golden tickets hidden inside chocolate bar wrappers.
The annual nationwide Match Day event saw 226 graduates from Arizona’s medical schools begin their journeys as practicing physicians. Fourth-year students from the College of Medicine – Tucson gathered on the west lawn of Old Main, while their counterparts from the College of Medicine – Phoenix unwrapped Willy Wonka-style “Wildcat MD” chocolate bars at the Biomedical Sciences Partnership Building.
Dr. Kevin Moynahan, vice dean of medical education at the Tucson college, reflected on the students’ paths: “It feels like just yesterday I welcomed your class at orientation and your White Coat ceremony, and it has truly been a privilege to participate in your journey along the way. I am happy we will be welcoming many of you to our residency programs here in Tucson, and I am also proud of those of you who leave will represent the College of Medicine – Tucson around the country.”
The results were impressive, with Tucson’s 119 students and Phoenix’s 107 students securing placements across 23 states. Notably, half of Tucson’s class entered primary care, addressing Arizona’s ongoing physician shortage. Meanwhile, Phoenix students excelled in competitive specialties, matching at prestigious institutions like Harvard University and Boston Children’s Hospital.
In Phoenix, the festivities were led by Dr. Ranita Sharma, executive vice dean, as Dean Fred Wondisford attended a personal Match Day event at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “Match Day is a watershed moment in each student’s journey in medicine. As nascent physicians-to-be, let purpose, grit, discipline and humility define your journey. The strength and resilience you’ve built over the past four years will be vital as you step into the clinical world,” Sharma advised.
Among the students, Samantha Olsson from Tucson plans to serve communities similar to her hometown by joining the college’s family medicine residency. “As I take these next steps toward my career, I’m most looking forward to getting to be somebody’s family doctor. I envision a practice that’s small town, close-knit, serving the communities that built me,” Olsson expressed.
In Phoenix, Santana Solomon followed a unique path into medicine, having previously assisted refugees and asylum seekers with medical assessments. “Being a physician could allow me to combine technical skills with advocacy for people who often do not have a voice,” Solomon shared.
For more detailed profiles on Match Day participants, explore the College of Medicine – Tucson and College of Medicine – Phoenix websites. A photo gallery from the ceremonies is available on the U of A Health Sciences website.
U of A Match Day by the Numbers
College of Medicine – Tucson
- 43% of graduates will complete their residencies in Arizona
- 44 graduates matched with Banner – University Medical Center residency programs in Tucson and Phoenix (36 at COM-T; 8 at COM-P)
- 50% of graduates matched into primary care fields, including internal medicine (22%), family medicine (10%), pediatrics (8%), and obstetrics and gynecology (7%)
- 50% matched into non-primary care specialties, including emergency medicine (11%), general surgery (7%), psychiatry (5%), and neurology (4%)
College of Medicine – Phoenix
- 107 seniors entered the match this year
- 32 students are staying in Arizona for all years of residency training
- Of the 38 Arizona students completing one or more years of training: 15 at COM-P; 3 at COM-T; 7 at Mayo Clinic AZ; 6 at Creighton Affiliated Hospitals; 2 at Phoenix Children’s; 5 at other in-state sites
- 25 states will be represented as students depart for residencies
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