University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences holds Match Day celebration

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences hosted their match day for senior medical students on Friday.

This year, over 100 College of Medicine seniors participated, receiving residencies to some of the top hospitals in the U.S.

The National Resident Match Program has matched 157 UAMS seniors with high-ranking programs.

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77 seniors got residencies in Arkansas, while 87 received residencies in 26 different states. A promised first job out of medical school, and the first step to becoming licensed physicians.

“I feel like I’ve dreamed about this day for probably the last 10 to 15 years,” Brianna Long, a graduating senior said.

For many this day is surreal, they say getting here wasn’t easy, but well worth the sacrifices made.

“Just being able to be that person now that I’ve been looking up to, I’m excited,” Long said.

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And as this competitive process comes to an end, students said they’re ready for what the next chapter holds.

“Being able to contribute to my community, to society as a whole, is one reason that I came into medicine,” Pamela Rosales, a graduating senior said.

Luckily Rosales is one of the 77 students staying close to home, she’s hoping her journey will inspire others.

“You can do it, all of us have done it today, and there’s hope for all of us,” Rosales said.

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