Thousands of applicants received good news Monday when they learned that they had matched with a residency program. The National Residency Matching Program (NMRP) emailed applicants in the morning informing them of their successful status, setting off celebrations across the country.
Those who didn’t match were invited to apply for the NMRP’s Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP), which pairs them with programs that have remaining openings.
Those who matched will learn Friday where they will be performing their residencies based on their program interviews and preferences. A few shared their joyous reactions with us.
Kenneth Davis, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine
“I am so thrilled to have matched into radiology. It took many years of dedication and support from amazing mentors, family, and friends to reach what will be the most transformative years of my life. In addition, this is a win for my community in Selma, Alabama. I am proof that once you’ve set your sights on a goal, it is possible to achieve them even when major obstacles attempt to block your path. A quote by Langston Hughes says, ‘Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.’ Today, my dream is finally coming to fruition.”
Bersu Ozcan, MD; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
“Receiving the ‘Congratulations, you have matched!’ email has long been a dream of mine. The journey has been nothing short of incredible, and I cannot thank my family and mentors enough for standing by me through every challenge. To call myself excited for what comes next would be an understatement. I’m thrilled to join the radiology family!”
Aarya Ramprasad, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine
Opening the email on Monday, I was overcome with an unreal sensation, engulfed by a wave of gratitude and excitement. I cannot thank the people who believed in me and stood by me on my journey to becoming a radiologist enough – they are my true inspirations. Without their unwavering support, I would not be where I am today. There is so much change on the horizon, and I am so excited to be at the forefront of it. I’m thrilled to be joining this incredible community that has welcomed me with open arms!”
Kevin C. Serdynski, DO; Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
“I am overwhelmed with joy to match radiology. With the rising competitiveness of the field and going unmatched last year, I thought it might never happen. I am grateful to my family and friends for supporting me as I juggled my PGY-1 year and the reapplication process. I cannot wait to begin my career as a future radiologist!”
Christina Shehata, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
“I am so excited to have matched into diagnostic radiology! Radiology has always stood out to me as a specialty filled with kind, intelligent, and hard-working people who approach medicine in a unique way. I look forward to joining these physicians as a colleague and mentoring medical students interested in radiology in the future. I’m also deeply thankful for the overall radiology community and my mentors. Their investment in medical students and ongoing support have been instrumental in getting us to this milestone.”
Emily Sparks, Wake Forest University School of Medicine
“I’m so excited that I’ve matched into diagnostic radiology and can’t wait to see what the rest of the future holds come Friday! I wouldn’t be where I am today without the immense support of my family, friends, and most important, my mentors (shoutout to Dr. Geer, Dr. Hiatt, and Dr. Guenette, among many others) who helped me along the way. Congratulations, Class of 2024! We’ve made it!”
