South Dakota joined the nation in celebrating Match Day, the annual milestone when medical students learn where they will begin their residency training. Students, families, mentors, and health leaders from the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine gathered both virtually and in person for the big reveal that marks the transition from medical school to hands-on clinical training.
This year, about 70 USD Sanford School of Medicine students matched and now know where they will begin the next stage of their medical careers. Of these students, 21 will stay in South Dakota for residency, while the others will begin training across 23 states in 18 specialties. Impressively, 51% of students matched into primary care, reflecting a strong commitment to meeting the health care needs of communities nationwide.
On the national stage, U.S. Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) seniors saw increases in active applicants. U.S. MD seniors achieved a Post Graduate Year One (PGY-1) match rate of 93.5%, while U.S. DO seniors matched at a rate of 93.2%, marking a 0.6% increase from last year.
Match Day celebrates not only personal achievement but also the growth of the physician workforce that will shape the future of health care in South Dakota and beyond.
For more information on the National Resident Matching Program, click here.
