COVID-19 foils Match Day ceremony for medical students

The UW School of Medicine Match Day event at The HUB has been canceled for public-safety considerations regarding COVID-19.

Instead, the National Resident Matching Program will send an email at 9 a.m. PST on March 20 to graduating medical school students, informing them of their destination for residency training.  

Residency training prepares those who have recently earned an M.D. for particular fields of medical practice. The training ranges from three years to more than seven years, depending on the specialty. The transition to graduate medical education is significant rite of passage for physicians-in-training.  Most medical schools, including the UW and its WWAMI training sites in other states, mark the announcements of residency placement with special ceremonies.

Raye Maestas, the school's dean of student affairs, wrote to students: "Please know that we did not come to this decision lightly. Match Day is a beloved annual event and a momentous day in your careers, however the health and safety of you, your guests, and our staff is our top priority. We are deeply saddened to be unable to host this event, and we look forward to celebrating you and your accomplishments later this spring. ... You will still be excused from clerkship duties on Match Day to celebrate privately with your family and friends."