Hundreds of medical students across the country found out today where they would go for the next chapter of their lives in the annual tradition known as Match Day. (Photo/Ricardo Carrasco III)
Match Day 2017 unveils big residency news for USC med students
The event brings smiles, tears and opened envelopes to Health Sciences Campus
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For nearly 200 nervous students at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, March 17 was more than just St. Patrick’s Day — it was Match Day.
Coordinated by the National Resident Matching Program, thousands of graduating medical students open envelopes at the same time across the country to learn where they will be spending their residency.
Family and friends gathered at the Harry and Celesta Pappas Quad on the Health Sciences Campus to celebrate with the Keck School of Medicine students who opened their envelopes at 9 a.m. after a champagne toast.
“I am delighted to be here with you on this exciting day,” said Rohit Varma, dean of the Keck School and director of the USC Gayle and Edward Roski Eye Institute. “The class of 2017 will always hold a special place in my heart, as you are the first class I have the privilege of toasting on Match Day in my new role as dean.”
Stay in L.A.
More than two-thirds of the school’s students will stay in California for all or part of their residency and more than a quarter will join staff at Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center. Internal medicine is the class of 2017’s top specialty, with 48 students matching in that field.
“I want to offer my sincere congratulations to all of the students and your families who are joining us,” Varma said. “Today is the culmination of all your hard work and I am so very excited for each and every one of you as you open the envelopes that will signal the beginning of the next step of your lives.”