Good news for medical students about residency placements

For students at the UConn School of Medicine, Match Day, March 15, was an outstanding success, with almost all of them assigned to residency programs of their choice.

Seventy-five students from the Class of 2007 and three previous graduates participated in Match Day this year.

Each year the National Residency Match Program matches the preferences of thousands of medical school applicants with their preferences for residency programs, to fill the available training positions at teaching hospitals nationwide.

This year, 99 percent of UConn medical students secured their specialty choice through the match, compared with a national average of less than 94 percent.

“Nationally, this was one of the toughest matches, with the second highest number of unmatched U.S. students in the history of the program,” said Dr. Anthony Ardolino, associate dean for medical student affairs.

“All of your children have jobs,” he told the many parents in the audience.

Most students apply to one career specialty, such as pediatrics or surgery. A few apply to a second specialty, particularly if their first choice is very competitive.

Students generally apply to about 15 programs in their specialty area, ranked in order of preference.

“Year after year, our students match to the most prestigious residencies in the country, and this year is no exception. We are extremely proud of them,” said Ardolino.

“Our students are prepared for a future of enduring success.

”Twenty-five of this year’s UConn medical graduates will remain in Connecticut, including 16 at the Health Center.