The envelope please...VCU medical students endure their own March Madness

By Joe Kuttenkuler

Amidst hugs, high-fives and tears, four years of medical school culminated in one emotional moment recently for 164 fourth-year students in VCU's School of Medicine. The students, along with faculty, friends and family gathered to take part in National Match Day - an annual event when thousands of medical students learn which residency programs they will attend.

The process begins in December and January when students visit different hospitals all over the country to decide where they would like to perform their residencies. By the end of February, the students have ranked their top three choices, while at the same time, the hospitals rank their top candidates.

Afterward, a computer in Washington D.C. is responsible for establishing the matches, and sealed envelopes are sent to each medical school with the results. One by one, each student receives an envelope with the name of the institution where they will spend the next several years of their lives.

Keith Berkle clutched one of his 14-month-old twin daughters as he opened his envelope. He matched to a family practice group in Blackstone, Va. He said his training as a paramedic fueled his desire to become a physician. "I love helping people," Berkle said.

Sara Moore and her friend Laura Smith both matched to their first choice - the Stanford University Medical Center. Moore's upcoming residency in pediatrics has roots back to her childhood when she endured many illnesses. "Working with and helping kids is my calling - it just feels like the right thing to do," said Moore.

Nine students from this year's graduating class are in the military and will complete their residencies at various armed forces institutions.

David Stagliano will travel to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. for his residency. Growing up as an army brat - his father is a retired Colonel - Stagliano said he likes the sense of order the military brings to a profession.

A record 20,908 residency positions were available nationwide for nearly 24,000 active applicants. Thirty-eight percent of VCU's class will stay in Virginia.

The National Resident Matching Program is a private, non-profit corporation established in 1952 providing a uniform date of appointment to positions in graduate medical education in the United States.