The Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2021 have found out where they will complete their residency training over the next three to seven years. This event, known as Match Day, is celebrated annually by medical schools across the nation.
This year, LMU-DCOM has placed 94.1% of its graduating class into postgraduate training programs. Approximately 18% of the graduating class placed into programs within the Appalachian region and 9% within the state of Tennessee.
Dean Brian A. Kessler, DO, celebrated the students, noting they have been challenged with clinical rotations and virtual residency interviews during a global pandemic. “While it has not been easy, they have remained steadfast and determined, and have proven they will be amazing physicians. We wish them well in the next step of their journey.”
Prior to Match Day, medical students apply to residency programs through the National Resident Matching Program and are interviewed for potential acceptance. After that process is complete, both the medical students and the residency programs rank their choices with a central matching service. On Match Day, the results of this process are announced. This year a record-high 48,700 applicants submitted program choices for 38,106 positions, the most ever offered in the Match.
Approximately 82% of the members of the LMU-DCOM graduating class will enter their first year of residency training in a primary care track, including family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, emergency medicine, osteopathic manipulative medicine and transitional year. The members of the Class of 2021 will be practicing in 19 different specialties in 177 different residency programs in 35 states and the District of Columbia.
Summer Martin is director of public relations, LMU Health Sciences.