Long-Time Tradition, Match Day, Reveals Future for Medical Students

March 17, 2023

Wake Forest University School of Medicine medical students retrieve their envelopes at last year’s Match Day. Fourth-year medical students at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, just like those at all medical schools across the country, will soon learn where their next journey in medical training will take them. 

Match Day is the milestone event where upcoming graduating medical students receive sealed envelopes, all to be simultaneously opened at noon, with other fourth-year medical students nationwide. The single sheet of paper inside each envelope informs students where they have “matched” and where they will spend the next three to seven years of residency training.

“This is an exciting time and a new chapter for our medical students,” said Dr. Ebony Boulware, dean of Wake Forest University School of Medicine and chief science officer and vice chief academic officer of Advocate Health. “Match Day is not only a special tradition for medical students but a transformational time in their lives as they embark on their final steps to becoming a medical professional. I can remember the mix of excitement and anticipation I felt during my Match Day. I am so excited and proud to celebrate with all of our students and I will be cheering alongside of them all for my first Match Day as the dean.”

In 2022, the School of Medicine had 132 matches with 29 students matching at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and another four matching at Atrium Health locations in Charlotte. A total of 43 students stayed in North Carolina for their residencies.

Media contacts:

Jenna Kurzyna, jkurzyna@wakehealth.edu
Joe McCloskey, jmcclosk@wakehealth.edu