For medical students, Match Day is like the National Football League Draft. They learn where they will continue their training in their chosen specialty. This is the culmination of a national selection process that starts with months of multiple applications and interviews. The highly anticipated Match Day event is held the third Friday of March, and all students learn about their future at the same time, noon Eastern, across the country.

Representing the MSU Class of 2026, 427 medical students from the colleges of Human Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine and their families gathered at nine MSU-hosted locations across the state, as well as some private events, to reveal their assigned residency programs. Where a physician does their residency is often a good indicator of where they will remain for their career.

Between the two colleges, MSU has the largest class of medical students in Michigan and one of the largest classes nationally. The match rate for both programs is above the national average.

Match Day is an exciting and optimistic time which benefits patients as well as students. At this time, more physicians are needed in Michigan and across the country. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, a shortage of up to 86,000 doctors is projected by 2036 due to the aging population, retirement of current physicians and rising demand for health care. Shortages are greater in rural areas and the addition of these aspiring doctors will benefit patients and their families.

Spartan MDs celebrate a successful Match Day

In eight Michigan communities, MSU College of Human Medicine fourth-year students gathered with family, friends and college leaders for a special Match Day event. For many, it’s a day of mixed emotions from years of hard work in medical school, the excitement of what’s next, and the opportunity to reflect on experiences that guided them along the way.

By the numbers:

• 97% of seniors matched
• 58% will stay in MI for residency
• 39% matched into primary care programs

Read more on the College of Human Medicine site.

MSU D.O.s open their Match Day envelopes together

Before the students and guests would learn about the next steps of their physician journey, college leaders tried to calm nerves and manage expectations. Dean Joyce DeJong and Susan Enright, associate dean of clerkship education, reminded them of their accomplishments so far and described the incredible impact they would have on others.

After the envelopes were torn open, music began and cheers were heard as everyone learned about their future.

By the numbers:

• 97% of the D.O. students matched
• 100% of the students in the D.O.-Ph.D. program matched
• 72% will remain in Michigan for residency
• 39% matched into primary care programs

Read more on the College of Osteopathic Medicine site.