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Match Day 2020: Notes of Encouragement


For medical students nationwide, Match Day is the culmination of four years of hard work, and many consider it the most exciting day of the medical school experience. Read some words of encouragement from faculty, staff and alumni for the Class of 2020, who celebrated Match Day virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Match Day 2020


"The most important thing I've found is that no matter where everyone ended up, be it our first, third, or sixth choice, everyone I know found happiness on the other side. Let the excitement drown out the anxiety." - Michael Marallo, M.D.'19
"To students in the Class of 2020: It has been a privilege and a delight to work with you. You give me hope for the future - that you will meet the increasing demands on our healthcare system and devise ways to care for them we haven't even envisioned yet. Your focus on empowering patients to take part in their care is inspiring. I wish you the best in residency and look forward to working with you as colleagues." - Martha Seagrave, PA-C, assistant professor of family medicine
"Hi Class of 2020. Congratulations to all of you on your Match Day results. I am sorry the country is in such turmoil where we could not share your joys. I wish that I could have been there. I hope I get to see you all before you leave. I wish you all the best and again congrats from your biggest fan! "- Mike Cross
"Dear Class of 2020, Although many people will be congratulating you this match week and day, given my last name, I still get to be the "first" to congratulate your class on reaching this wonderful milestone in your careers as future physicians. Your matching into the residency programs that will be welcoming you is well-earned and well-deserved. These programs are so fortunate to have you join them, and I hope you know that! Congrats and best wishes." - Lewis First, M.D. professor and chief of pediatrics
"Congratulations to the Class of 2020 on all your hard work and best wishes for a successful match! You are about to embark on a new adventure and I have no doubt that you will make a difference in so many people's lives! There's no better feeling than that." - Alan Lee, M.D.'19
"You are all so unique and wonderful. I am so lucky to have been with you on this journey, and I am so excited to launch you into the next. Congratulations!" - Kiersten Hallquist
"You are not defined by the destination, but rather the passion you bring to your craft. I am so excited for you all! Think big...think different...this is your legacy." - Ross Sayadi, M.D.'17
"Try and have fun! It's a stressful but also wonderful day/week. Definitely don't be afraid to wear a glittery tutu!" - Althea Morrison, M.D.'19