Amid the blooming views of the Memphis Botanic Garden and in celebrations echoing statewide, 173 medical students from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine gathered Friday, March 15, for Match Day 2024.
Match Day is an annual rite of passage for medical students nationwide who discover where they will spend the next phase of their medical training as residents. It’s a day filled with nervous excitement, where years of hard work and dedication converge into a single envelope containing the key to their future.
This pivotal moment marked years of dedication and perseverance as these aspiring physicians discovered where their next chapter of medical training would unfold. Students eagerly tore open their envelopes, and joy and relief erupted across the room as they celebrated their matches. In a remarkable feat, all College of Medicine students would be moving forward in their medical careers, whether through residencies or research opportunities.
In a reaffirmation of the institution’s commitment to fostering local talent, it was revealed that 39% of these students would remain in Tennessee for their residency programs. This decision not only underscores the institutional vision of cultivating a group of physicians dedicated to serving their local communities but also highlights the state’s growing capacity to produce and retain medical professionals poised to address the health care needs of its citizens.
G. Nicholas Verne, MD, interim executive dean of the College of Medicine, expressed profound pride in the Class of 2024’s achievements, saying, “Today, we witness the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. These students represent the future of medicine in Tennessee, and their commitment to serving our communities is truly commendable.”
Similar celebrations unfolded at the College of Medicine’s Chattanooga and Knoxville campuses. Students gathered with friends, family, and faculty to await their match results. Each location buzzed with excitement as students shared their news and embraced one another in congratulations.
“The class of 2024 had an incredible match, and I could not be prouder. I look forward to following their career paths as I know they will accomplish much during residency and beyond,” said Catherine Womack, MD, associate dean of student affairs in the College of Medicine.
Amid the jubilation, Class of 2024 student president Alisa Phillips reflected on the moment’s significance, saying, “Match Day is not just about our futures, but about the collective impact we will have on the health and well-being of our communities. We stand on the cusp of a new chapter, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities.”
As envelopes were opened and destinies revealed, each match represented a personal triumph and a promise to uphold the highest standards of care and compassion in the service of others.
As the celebrations unfolded from Memphis to Chattanooga to Knoxville, the resonance of Match Day 2024 reverberated far beyond the confines of any one institution. It symbolized the enduring commitment of the UT Health Science Center College of Medicine to nurturing the next generation of physicians who will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of health care in Tennessee and beyond.
Of the 173 total students who matched:
- 67 students (39%) matched to residencies in Tennessee.
- 54 students (31%) are staying at UT Health Science Center for residency.
- 77 students (45%) matched to primary care specialties.
- 59 students (34%) matched to non-primary care specialties.
- 34 students (20%) matched to surgical specialties.
- 3 students matched to military residency.
- 3 students matched to research opportunities.
View the slideshow below for more sights from Match Day 2024 in Memphis.
