JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – Future doctors across the country and here in Region 8 spent the day celebrating big.
The New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University class of 2025 was surrounded by supporters as they opened their Match envelopes on Friday, March 21.
Medical students await the day they find out where they will complete their residency training.
Envelopes revealed their fate as professors, loved ones, and local leaders gathered around the future doctors at the Embassy Suites Red Wolves Convention Center Friday morning.
Some must leave the area and finish their education states away, but others get to stay in NEA.
Student Doctor Kesley Vinson is excited to practice in her hometown, Jonesboro.
“I’m from here. These are my people, so I want to stay here and I’m glad that happened today,” Vinson said.
Vinson and fellow student doctor Peyton Ogle matched for Family Medicine at UAMS-Jonesboro.
Before 11 a.m., nobody knew where they were going.
Throughout medical school, students learn in different environments to get a glimpse of each specialty such as oncology, pediatrics, OBGYN, and more.
Student doctors rank their preferred programs, and the programs rank their preferred candidates.
Both Ogle and Vinson said Jonesboro was their number-one choice.
“I really like community health and treating the patient as a whole, and family medicine is kind of the gateway into everything about the patient, so I’m very excited to see patients in that capacity,” Ogle said.
Each student was recognized on stage before the room erupted in smiles, cheers, and hugs.
“I chose to be a doctor because I love to help people, I feel just called to it,” Vinson said.
A news release from NYITCOM states that in 2024, approximately 40,000 student doctors across the country participated in Match Day.
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