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March 16, 2026

Media Advisory: Future physicians celebrate milestone on Match Day 

  • What: Class of 2026 Match Day ceremonies
  • When: Friday, March 20.
    • College of Medicine – Tucson: 7:30-10 a.m.
    • College of Medicine – Phoenix: 8:45-10:30 a.m.
  • Where:
    • College of Medicine – Tucson: The Alexander Berger Memorial Fountain in front of Old Main, 1200 E. University Blvd., Tucson. Livestream.
    • College of Medicine – Phoenix: The Biomedical Sciences Partnership Building, 475 N. Fifth St., Phoenix. Livestream.
  • Contact:
  • More information:

TUCSON and PHOENIX, Ariz. — Fourth-year medical students from the University of Arizona Colleges of Medicine in Tucson and Phoenix will discover where they placed in residency programs at Match Day 2026.

In Tucson, the celebration will take place near the Alexander Berger Memorial Fountain in front of Old Main, 1200 E. University Blvd. In Phoenix, it will be hosted in front of the Biomedical Sciences Partnership Building, 475 N. Fifth St., under the palo verde trees.

Each year on Match Day, fourth-year medical students from across the nation gather with their loved ones and open envelopes simultaneously at 9 a.m. Arizona time to discover where they will begin their residencies. Residency programs, which range from three to seven years, represent a critical phase in graduate medical education. During this time, new doctors practice in their chosen specialties under the supervision of experienced physicians.

In their final year of medical school, students participate in residency interviews at institutions where they hope to receive further training. They then rank their preferred residency locations, while institutions rank the students they wish to train. The National Resident Matching Program facilitates the matching process, with students committing to the residency location with which they are matched.

Recent data published by the Association of American Medical Colleges indicates the United States could see an estimated shortage of between 54,100 and 139,000 physicians by 2033. Studies show that physicians are more likely to stay and build their practices in the communities where they complete their residency training.

Media contacts:
Lorie Anderson
College of Medicine – Tucson
520-975-0929
lorieanderson@arizona.edu

Tom Kelly
College of Medicine – Phoenix
310-704-4468
tlkelly07@arizona.edu

Established in 1885, the University of Arizona is the state's flagship, land-grant institution. The U of A ranks among America's top institutions, focusing on student access and success while driving a $1 billion research enterprise and engaging communities throughout the state, nation and world. As a leading Research 1 institution and member of the Association of American Universities, the U of A advances the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships. With two accredited medical schools, designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, recognition as a premier university for service members, distinguished programs in management information systems, planetary sciences, dance, photography, and public and applied humanities, the U of A offers the world to its students while uplifting Arizona.

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College of Medicine - Phoenix
College of Medicine - Tucson