UNE College of Osteopathic Medicine holds first Match Day event

The University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine held its first Match Day celebration on Friday, March 18, 2016 along with dozens of other medical schools around the country. 

Match Day is the date each year when fourth-year medical students who participate in the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) match learn where they will be completing their medical residencies, and in what specialty, following graduation. Students are notified via email of their residency location and specialty, but those who attend a Match Day event have the opportunity to find out their match earlier in the day. Other medical students may participate in the military match or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) match, both of which occur earlier in the year.

Many fourth-year COM students came back to campus for this event for the first time since entering their clinical rotations nearly two years ago. Most brought their families to share in the news with them. Following congratulatory remarks from various COM administrators, including a champagne toast from Douglas Wood, D.O., Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, the students were given red envelopes which contained their match information. All in attendance counted down together and the students opened their envelopes at the same time. Joy, hugs, and some tears followed. “In the medical education world, Match Day has been one of excitement for many years,” said Wood. “The Match Day celebration has been instituted at the UNE College of Osteopathic Medicine and the first event generated considerable excitement. We plan on making this celebration an annual tradition for years to come.”