On Match Day 2025, 121 University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson and 118 College of Medicine – Phoenix fourth-year medical students found out where they were matched for their upcoming residencies in their chosen specialties.

Members of the Class of 2025 excitedly ripped open their envelopes at exactly 9 a.m. on March 21 to learn where they will start the next phase of their medical education. 

Match Day, which occurs on the third Friday in March nationwide, is the culmination of four years of study, research and rotations for medical students. The match process is conducted by the National Residency Matching Program and medical students are obligated to serve where they matched.

College of Medicine – Tucson students celebrated Match Day from the west lawn of Old Main; College of Medicine – Phoenix students celebrated beneath the palo verde trees at the Biomedical Sciences Partnership Building in downtown Phoenix.

Students from the two U of A colleges of medicine were matched to more than 60 training centers in about 30 states. Fifty-two percent of the College of Medicine – Tucson students and 31% of the College of Medicine – Phoenix students will be staying in state for all or some of their residency training.

Dr. Michael Abecassis, the inaugural Humberto and Czarina Lopez Endowed Dean of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, told his students that they would never forget their Match Day, just as he has never forgotten his.

"The realization that the current leg of your journey is nearly over, as you contemplate and plan the next step, makes for mixed emotions," Abecassis said. "It is a time filled with a great sense of achievement, anticipation and excitement, but at the same time, some uncertainty and anxiety. But today, I would like you to focus strictly on your amazing achievement of crossing this milestone and looking forward to the finish line."

Fred E. Wondisford, dean of the College of Medicine – Phoenix, told his students they were destined for greatness as doctors.

"I know I speak on behalf of all the college's faculty and leadership, some of whom are here with us today, when I say we are excited to learn where you matched," Wondisford said. "Whether you are staying here in Arizona for exceptional graduate medical education training, or heading to a prestigious program across the country, we know you will go on to do great things."

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Among the students celebrating in Tucson on Friday was Curtis McGuire, who is looking forward to becoming an anesthesiologist.

"I love the one-on-one patient care. I want to enter the room and start their day on a good note, be responsible for their well-being, and get them back safely to the post-op area," McGuire said. "Doing that every day seems like what I'm meant to do."

Gillian Reynoso joined her classmates to celebrate in Phoenix. A first-generation college student, Reynoso found her love for medicine participating in a medical brigade in Honduras.

"My goals going into residency are to brace myself for the training ahead, apply what I've learned so far and make room for what is to come," she said. "I know residency is going to be challenging, but I hope to hold onto my 'why,' make time for my health and continue growing into the person I aspire to be – both professionally and personally."

Match Day profiles for students from both the College of Medicine – Tucson and the College of Medicine – Phoenix are available on the college websites.

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U of A Match Day by the numbers

College of Medicine – Tucson

• 43% of graduates will complete their residencies in Arizona:
  • 32 students in Tucson
  • 14 students in the greater Phoenix area
• 33 graduates matched with Banner – University Medical Center residency programs in Tucson and Phoenix.
• 38.8% of graduates matched into residencies in primary care fields, defined as family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology:
  • 20.7% in internal medicine
  • 8.3% in family medicine
  • 4.1% in pediatrics
• 61.2% matched into non-primary care specialties, including:
  • 10.7% in emergency medicine
  • 9.9% in psychiatry
  • 7.4% in anesthesiology
  • 5.8% in diagnostic radiology
  • 5.8% in general surgery
  • 4.1% in orthopedic surgery

College of Medicine – Phoenix

• 118 seniors entered the match this year, including those who applied to military and early match programs.
• 28 students are staying in Arizona for all years of their residency training. 
  • Of the 37 Arizona students completing one or more years of training, there will be: 
    • 17 at U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix.
    • 2 at U of A College of Medicine – Tucson.
    • 6 at Creighton University Affiliated Hospitals.
    • 5 at Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education – Arizona.
    • 7 at other training sites around the state.
• 29 states will be represented as the students depart for their residencies.