For most medical students, the culmination of four years of medical school — hours of study, clinical rotations and tough exams — is Match Day, the celebratory announcement of their residency position placement. In advance of Match Day, M4 students from around the country rank the residency programs they hope to join in their order of preference, while the programs simultaneously rank the learners. The National Resident Matching Program then runs this data through an algorithm, which works to maximize the preferences of all parties.

“Match Day is medicine’s own version of March Madness,” said Carmine A. Grieco, MD, associate dean for Student Life at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

Dr. Grieco, along with Carol R. Bradford, MD, MS, FACS, dean of the Ohio State College of Medicine, and other leaders shared a few words of encouragement before students opened their official match envelopes at this crucial point of their journey.

“It is a day that you will remember for the rest of your lives,” Dr. Bradford said. “As you embark on this new chapter, you hold the key to your success. Regardless of what program you match into, you will be continuing on your journey of lifelong learning.”

On March 15, nearly 200 medical students at the college gathered with faculty, staff, family and friends at the Ohio Union to discover where they — these soon-to-be physicians — would begin the next chapter of their medical careers.

Dr. Grieco kicked off the ceremony, acknowledging the excitement of this momentous day, when future doctors learn the location and specialty of their residency. Jennifer McCallister, MD, associate dean of Medical Education, congratulated students on their years of hard work and dedication that led to this day.

“You have stepped up and stepped together as leaders and advocates of change at our medical center and in our profession,” said Dr. McCallister. ”Today is the day to pause and catch your breath and reflect on all of your hard work.”

Daniel Clinchot, MD, vice dean for Education, put the significance of these accomplishments into perspective by sharing that this year, 193 medical students at the College of Medicine matched in more than 24 specialties. Nationwide, there were 44,000 applicants for just 41,000 positions. It was the largest Match Day in the history of the National Resident Matching Program.

“35% of our medical students matched in Ohio,” said Dr. Clinchot. “The most popular specialties were  internal medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine and orthopedic surgery.” An amazing 68 learners chose a primary care specialty.

One M4, Alyssa Thompson, learned that she will be staying in Ohio, but heading south to Cincinnati for a pediatrics residency in the extensive program at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

“It was my first choice,” said Thompson. “I will take a lot with me. At Ohio State, I learned so much about how to be a better doctor, be more empathetic and understand the way decisions are made in medicine.”

Aaron Craft, former Ohio State Buckeye basketball star and fourth-year medical student, found out he matched in otolaryngology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. He and his wife opened his envelope together and immediately hugged with joy and relief.

“We have a lot of specialists here in the field and I’ve learned a lot from them already,” said Craft. “I am really excited to learn more.”

Craft, his wife and their two small children will stay in Columbus as he undergoes five years of residency, expanding his training in diagnosing and treating conditions of the head and neck and learning both nonsurgical and surgical treatments.

Congratulations to The Ohio State University College of Medicine Class of 2024!