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HSC Medical School seniors meet their match

Anticipation was in the air at the Leon Springs Dance Hall as fourth-year Medical School students waited to hear their names called during the annual Match Day ritual. The event pairs seniors with residency programs across the country.

This year 181 graduating Medical School students participated in Match Day with 172 receiving matches the day of the event. A majority of students, approximately 106, will remain in Texas for training. Thirty-six graduates will participate in residency programs at University Hospital, one of the Health Science Center's teaching facilities.

Fifty-three percent of the graduates will enter primary care residency programs, which include family practice, internal medicine, obstetrics and pediatrics. Internal medicine residencies were the most popular this year, with family practice programs a close second.

"The class of 2000 did very well," said Dr. Nan Clare, associate dean for academic affairs. "This year we had fewer unmatched students than in previous years."

Former Medical School dean Dr. James Young, who retired shortly after the Match Day event, echoed Dr. Clare's sentiments.

"These students have made an impact on this school and we are so proud of them," said Dr. Young. "It has been a pleasure to be a part of these Match Day ceremonies for the past 12 years. This is one of the best Match Days ever."

A fourth-year Medical School student is happy to relay news about her residency destination during the annual Match Day ceremony.

The participants must have agreed117 seniors received their first choice of locations, and 28 got their second choice.

"I am very happy with my match," said Steve Stowers, who will be going to Waco for a family practice residency. "The hospital has a great family practice program, which is exactly where I wanted to go."

According to the National Resident Matching Program, 25,056 individuals participated in the matching process this year and 73 percent were matched with a program. A total of 20,598 first-year residency positions were offered, an increase of 145 positions from last year. Nearly 25 percent of those matched will enter internal medicine programs.