Over the last four years, medical students at Rush University have worked tirelessly in the classroom, devoted hours to clinical rotations and studied long hours to pass required exams. Their hard work all comes down to one moment: Match Day.
M4 students from Rush Medical College and medical schools across the country celebrated this year’s Match Day on Friday, March 20. Cheering erupted from Rush students at the Marriot Marquis in Chicago, at 11 a.m., as they found out where residency would take them. At the same location they donned their white coats for the first time, they reached a new milestone and opened envelopes that held the answer to the next chapter of their story.
While some head far north, west, east or south, others are staying right where they started.
Sophia Redpath matched in general surgery at Rush. They are one of 20 university students who will stay at Rush for their training.
"I love Chicago, and I’ve had a great experience at Rush. I love the residents I worked with in the general surgery program, and it’s important to me that we’re connected with Cook County. I am really happy to stay and keep working for and serving the people of Chicago,” Redpath says.
But students who matched at institutions other than Rush say what they learned at the university prepared them for a new experience. Figueroa Sierra was drawn to the USC Los Angeles for its community involvement – something that led her to Rush University four years ago.
“Not only that [community involvement], but they serve my family. My family goes to USC Los Angeles General Medical Center, so I’m really excited,” she says. “Rush is also involved in its community and that’s why I chose it for medical school. I am so proud to be a Rush University student and graduate.”
Rush University had a total of 128 students who matched residency programs in 24 specialties and combined programs in 35 states. This year’s top specialties were Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine and Family Medicine.
Friday’s celebration was Pete Batra’s, MD, senior vice president and dean, Rush Medical College, first Match Day in his newly appointed role. Batra shared the moment of excitement with students and applauded them for their hard work.
“Today is a milestone that represents years and years of hard work, sacrifice and perseverance,” Batra said. “Each of you arrived at Rush with so much talent and promise but what you have accomplished since then reflects something much deeper. It reflects resilience, growth and an unwavering commitment to becoming the best physicians possible.”
Whether their careers keep them close or take them far away from Rush, students will always embody the Rush vision, mission and values.
“We hope that as you learn about your career today, and its starting point, that you will use the energies and lessons you learned at Rush, to serve the patients and communities in which you practice and ultimately reside in,” Robert Higgins, MD, president, Rush University told the crowd. “You are a shining example of what we can do at Rush.”