It’s unusual for everyone in a graduating medical school class to match with a residency program. Even at a place like Yale. So many variables go into the process, it can be difficult for students to know whether the program they like best likes them best, too. And the greater the number of students seeking positions, the lower the chance that everyone will get one.
On Friday, March 16, every Yale medical student interested in testing themselves against the rigors of a residency program learned that a position was waiting for them. That's unusual, but what makes it all the more extraordinary is that this year, Yale School of Medicine graduates the largest class in memory—maybe all-time.
Andi Shahu, who was accepted at Johns Hopkins for Internal Medicine, expressed relief and joy. “This has been an incredible, long process,” Shahu said. “We’ve spent years working toward this, and are excited to finally do what we’ve dreamt of for so long.”
“125 is our largest class in my memory, and the largest ever as far as I know,” said Nancy Angoff, MD, MPH, MEd, Yale School of Medicine’s associate dean for student affairs. “This isn’t the first time we’ve had 100% of the students seeking residency match, but it’s been a while since it last happened.”
The new MDs will head to 60 institutions in 26 states. Two will enter residency programs in Canada. And 22 will be staying in New Haven to continue their medical education at Yale.
Not everyone from the full class of 125 students sought residency. One plans to study for their MBA, the other to enter consulting.
This has been an incredible, long process. We’ve spent years working toward this, and are excited to finally do what we’ve dreamt of for so long.
Andi Shahu
The match process involves students and residency programs ranking each other in a blind process that requires each side to endorse the other, without being able to tell what the other is thinking. Both sides are told to put in their lists the way they want them because neither knows what the other is doing, or how things will turn out.
Angoff said that with the increasingly competitive nature of residency programs, it’s noteworthy when any Medical School sees its entire graduating class match.
“It’s extremely nerve-wracking,” said Chris Marfo, who matched with the General Surgery residency at the University of Washington. “Everything’s up in the air, you’re waiting, then on Monday, suddenly, you’ve matched. I’m so excited for the next step, and for all my friends.”
Nick Apostolopoulos, who matched in ophthalmology at Yale New Haven Hospital, had similar sentiments. “I’m very happy for all my classmates, and grateful for the unique opportunities I’ve had here at Yale. I’d also like to point out that I could never have gotten here without the support of my wife.”
“We’re thrilled that no students had to go through SOAP, which stands for Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program,” said Angoff. “When you don’t match, you have to endure additional rounds of applications and offers from unfilled residency programs. It can be very stressful… not this year!”