With Emotions High, Philadelphia Medical Students Get Their Residency 'Matches'
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Today was the day young doctors at Drexel University's school of medicine found out the next step in their education, and careers.
At Drexel's East Falls campus on Queen Lane and at medical schools around the globe today, the traditions of "Match Day" were being observed.
Just before the big moment when each of the fourth-year medical students found out where he or she would be serving a residency, Drexel medical school dean Daniel Schidlow (below left) told them, "More important than where you go is what you do when you get there."
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Then, after a quick toast, the medical students simultaneously tore open their envelopes to find out the name and location of their residency training.
Adam Calarese was jumping up and down.
"I matched plastic surgery at the University of Rochester, which was my number one choice," he said. Why there?
"Awesome faculty, great residents, and amazing training."
Lauren Parker and Nick Duca, who are engaged to be married, won't have to live apart. They're both heading to Pittsburgh.
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(Parker:) "I'm from Lancaster and I'm going to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center."
It was her first choice, since Nick is from Pittsburgh.
"Most of all we wanted to be together, so it worked out perfectly," Duca said.
Once again this year, more graduating medical students -- 39 percent -- are being matched to residencies in primary care.
Of the 260 Drexel students, 54 chose internal medicine, 28 pediatrics, 21 ob-gyn, and 20 emergency medicine.
The largest number, 90, will remain in Pennsylvania, followed by New York, California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
