Cheers, tears and embraces filled the room as members of the MD Class of 2026 opened their envelopes and discovered where they will train as resident physicians. For many students at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at ɫƵ, the moment was both emotional and surreal.

“It feels rewarding to finally be here,” said Katie Kolb, member of the MD Class of 2026. “A lot of excitement, a lot of joy in finally accomplishing this.”

Match Day marks a defining milestone in the journey to becoming a physician. After years of rigorous academic training, clinical rotations and interviews, students learn where they will spend the next several years continuing their medical education.

This year, 146 students applied to take part in the National Resident Matching Program, joining peers across the country in the highly competitive process. By the end of Match Week, 96% of students secured residency positions, surpassing the national average of 93%. 

“Match Day is arguably one of the most memorable days in the journey to becoming a physician. This day marks another step toward the goal of becoming a practicing physician,” said Judette Louis, MD, M.P.H., dean of Eastern Virginia Medical School at ɫƵ. “We are honored to share these moments, and we are confident the graduates of the Class of 2026 will make a meaningful impact in the communities they serve.”

A National Reach with Local Impact

Graduates from the MD Class of 2026 matched into 89 programs across 30 states, reflecting both the national reach of ɫƵ’s medical school and the strength of its training programs. 

At the same time, many students chose to remain close to home. More than a quarter, 26.7%, will continue their training in Virginia.

These numbers represent a continued commitment to strengthening the physician workforce across the region and improving access to care in local communities.

A Wide Range of Specialties

Medical students matched into a broad range of specialties, from primary care to highly competitive fields.

Internal medicine (22 students), psychiatry (12), pediatrics (11) and family medicine (10) accounted for a significant portion of placements, with 31% of the class entering primary care specialties. 

Others matched into specialties including emergency medicine, anesthesiology, orthopaedic surgery, OB/GYN, radiology and more, demonstrating the depth and diversity of career paths among this year’s graduates.

In addition to Match Day, students also secured positions through early and military matches, including placements in urology, ophthalmology and at military medical centers across the country.   

A Moment Years in the Making

For students, Match Day represents the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance and personal growth.

“We’ve all worked very hard to get to this point, and we’ve all made sacrifices,” Kirin Anand, MD Class of 2026, said. “It feels very rewarding to be here.”

In the moments leading up to opening their envelopes, many described a mix of anticipation and nerves, followed by overwhelming excitement as their futures came into focus.

“It’s honestly a whirlwind of emotions,” Kirin said. “But mostly excitement.”

Looking Ahead

As they prepare to begin residency, members of the MD Class of 2026 carry forward not only the knowledge and skills gained during medical school, but also a deep sense of purpose and connection.

For many, the next chapter will begin in just a few months, marking the transition from medical student to physician.

“Being able to celebrate this moment,” Kirin said, “It’s something we’re all going to remember for the rest of our lives.”