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NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. — It was a momentous occasion for medical students, a culmination of years of dedication and hard work.
The Medical College of Georgia hosted its annual Match Day celebration at SRP Park, a cherished tradition where parents and faculty gathered to support and applaud 269 aspiring doctors as they embarked on the next phase of their professional journey.
This year’s cohort included 201 students from MCG in Augusta and nearly 70 from the UGA Medical Partnership in Athens, reflecting a diverse and promising group of future physicians.
Dr. David Hess, Dean of MCG, remarked on the competitive nature of securing residencies. “It’s challenging to obtain residencies nowadays, as there are fewer positions available than before. However, our students continue to match with outstanding programs,” he said, highlighting the caliber of placements achieved by the students.
“It’s hard to get residencies now, because there’s not as many positions as there used to be. So, our students match to great places,” said Dr. David Hess, Dean of MCG.
More than 60% of the students matched with residency programs in 8 different healthcare sectors, including Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry.
From here, they’ll go to programs covering 34 states and 22 specialties.
“I feel great, I’m so excited to go to Nashville,” said Morgan Broniec.
“I’m super excited, My dear friend Cameron also matched there, so we get to experience Charlotte together,” Gabby Hernandez said.
While many are going to other states, there will be nearly 100 students staying in Georgia—some getting accepted to Wellstar MCG.
“I feel like I’ve developed, I’ve found community here, I’ve found family here. So, I’m excited to be able to do that, continue those relationships in residency, and continue caring for patients,” said Carrington Moore.
Ana-Sophia Chung is this year’s class president.
“Today is the epitome of what my med school career led up to. I’m so happy to be here, celebrate with my class, and see everybody’s success come to fruition. Moving forward, I’m excited to take care of my patients, promote preventative medicine, promote healthy futures for everybody, and spread that love,” Chung said.
Augusta University President Dr. Russell Keen also in attendance to support these hard-working med students.
“In talking to some of those students, some of them are going to Johns Hopkins and other places—they say they want to come back home to their home state. But, to go out and practice in those areas speaks to the quality of education they’re receiving right here,” said Keen.
School leaders say whether they’re staying in the Peach State or going across the country, the future of healthcare is bright.