Match Day 2024: Why it's a big day for medical students in Nashville and across the US

Match Day means so much to thousands of U.S. medical students, from pupils graduating from institutions with global reputations (Harvard University, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine) to smaller universities (Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University) to Meharry Medical College, one of four medical schools located at Historically Black Colleges and Universities — together producing half of the nation's Black doctors.

This is where they all get a glimpse at their medical future.

At Meharry, the countdown started two minutes before 11 a.m. on Friday March 15.

Unopened envelopes in hand, students screamed.

"TEN, NINE, EIGHT, SEVEN, SIX, FIVE, FOUR, THREE, TWO, ONE."

Chaos ensued. The celebration came in two rounds. The first was a quick shock, wide grins spreading across faces all over the room. Then, students ran to tell their friends and family, hugging and jumping into the air in celebration.

Breia Reed got matched to Meharry Medical College, close to home.

David Anderson, who took to the stage to share his story, matched to Morehouse Healthcare in Atlanta, Georgia.

"I have to thank God for bringing me through all the days I felt I couldn’t go on any longer," Anderson said. "Thank you to my lovely mother and father for all their sacrifices they made to put me here today."

Breia Reed was joined by her mother, Dr. Kristal Reed, at Meharry’s Match Day celebration. Kirstal Reed, who practices internal medicine, remembers her match day many years ago. She also graduated from Meharry Medical College.

Breia Reed chose family medicine, and she’s hoping to get match to a residency close to home. She depends on the support of her mother and the rest of her family.

“It’s such a joyful day,” Kristal Reed said, beaming with pride for her 32-year-old daughter.

What is Match Day?

First, some background. In the U.S., students graduate from medical schools with medical degrees. Internal medicine. Surgery. Family medicine. Pediatrics. OB-GYN. Anesthesiology. Psychiatry and more. But they aren't licensed to practice independently until they complete additional training in a residency program, a vital requirement for obtaining a coveted medical license. During Match Week —  the third week in March each year — medical  students discover if they matched with a residency program. But they'll have to wait until Match Day to find out the medical facility they are assigned to.

This year, while some students may opt to simply check their emails the morning of Friday, March 15, others view it as a public celebration with peers and family, marking a medical milestone. So expect students at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine and other institutions to take to social media to share the excitement.

The Golden State retains medical talent

In California, Dr. Michaela Booker will remain in the state. She attended the University of California at Davis School of Medicine. And now, she's heading to the University of California at San Francisco School of Medicine for her residency.

Big news in Columbus, Ohio

At Ohio State, Dr. Jennifer Matsui just discovered the next chapter of her medical journey.

Meharry Medical College hosts match day in Nashville

Residency candidates at Meharry Medical College waited with buzzing anticipation for the Match Day program to begin at the North Nashville HBCU campus Friday morning.

Students and families began arriving at the celebration just before 10 a.m., flowing into the ballroom at the Cal Turner Family Center in bright dresses and suits, bouquets of flowers and clusters of helium-filled balloons in tow.

The event kicked off with the filling of the "money pot," a cherished tradition at the college. For exactly five minutes, program attendees filled a pot with cash to be won by drawing later in the day.

Vanderbilt University Medical School professor celebrates students Friday morning

At Vanderbilt University Medical School, Dr. Ryan Fritz, an assistant professor of Emergency Medicine, said it's important to celebrate how big of an achievement Match Day is.

"We are so proud of you," Fritz said in an Instagram post, "and hope you feel like same level of pride in yourself!"

It's a match! How students mark their next step:

Here's a look back at celebrations in recent years — starting with Dr. Lisa Umeh, who on Match Day 2022, celebrated when she discovered her residency home brought her back to California.

Last year, 22 members of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine graduating class remained in Nashville for a Vanderbilt residency, while seven remained for their preliminary year before traveling elsewhere for residency.

Also, Dr. Mike Herring, who practices internal medicine, gave great advice on an Instagram post: "It's miserable not knowing where the next bunch of years will bring you, then the surprise may floor you, too."

He added: "Wherever you go, you'll make the most of it, you'll learn more than you ever thought possible (WAY more than med school) and, perhaps most importantly, youll grow as a human."

In 2021, Dr. Jake Goodman (psychiatrist) announced on social media he was heading to Miami for a residency, thanks to support from his fiancé/bst friend, as well as medical mentors.

In 2021, Harvard Medical School boosted 151 of its students matched in clinical training programs. Harvard's program tops multiple lists as the best medical school in the U.S.

Gary Estwick is the business, race and culture editor at The Tennessean. Contact him at gestwick@gannett.com. Follow him on X @garyestwick.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Match Day 2024: Why it's a big day for medical students