NYC Gazette

On March 21, 136 medical students from Columbia University's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S) took part in the annual Match Day. At noon, they discovered where they will continue their medical training. This event is part of the National Resident Matching Program, a process that matches new doctors with residency programs across the United States and internationally. The 2025 match year saw a record 37,667 medical students matched with residency programs.

The Match Day event for VP&S students was held at Hudson Lounge, where several key figures from Columbia University addressed the attendees. Katrina Armstrong, interim president of Columbia University, expressed her hope for the graduating class's future accomplishments. "I appreciate your transformation. You started medical school during a global pandemic," she said. "Today we are in a time of great challenge, but in any great challenge is opportunity, and you will have the opportunity to lead and to make a difference.”

Jim McKiernan, interim dean of VP&S, shared the stage with Jean-Marie Alves-Bradford, associate dean for student affairs, support, and services; Monica Lypson, vice dean for education at VP&S; and Salila Kurra, associate dean for student career development at VP&S. Alves-Bradford noted the resilience of the Class of 2025. “The Class of 2025 has spent the past several years navigating lots of different changes and challenges," she said. “You’ve weathered the storm, in addition to learning a tremendous amount of medical knowledge and new skills, and you’re prepared for the next steps of your journey.”

VP&S students matched with a variety of residency programs, with internal medicine being the most popular choice, accounting for 19.1%. Other popular specialties included pediatrics (10.3%), neurology (9.6%), psychiatry (8.8%), and orthopedic surgery (8.8%).

Several students shared their motivations for their chosen specialties. Prateek Sahni decided on internal medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. "I picked internal medicine because I wanted to be someone who could be a jack of all trades and care for everyone," Sahni said.

Carly Mulinda matched in dermatology at the same center, a choice influenced by her family. "My younger sister has albinism, so dermatology has been something that has been an important thing in our family," Mulinda shared.

Deirdre Ricaurte, who matched in obstetrics and gynecology at Johns Hopkins University, highlighted the institution's research opportunities. "Ob/Gyn is an area where there’s so much opportunity to do more research and find out more," Ricaurte said.

The successful matching results were attributed to collaboration between the students, university departments, and advisors. Salila Kurra commented on the success, saying, “We are so excited for our students as they take this next step in their careers.”