Class of 2024 celebrates Match Day

Inside a gymnasium on the Loyola University of Chicago’s Health Sciences Campus, members of the class of 2024 had gathered with their family and friends. They were about to learn where they would be doing their medical residencies and the anticipation was palpable. Students were bouncing on their heels and tapping the tables. One student’s nervous jitters couldn’t be contained, or tamed by a hug from her mother.

It was just before 10 a.m. and there was one hour until the students would open the envelopes that would tell them where they would continue their medical training.

Despite the nerves, Mary Clare Lipa, a student who specialized in internal medicine, remained composed. “I’m just looking for a good program that’s going to make me the doctor I want to be,” she said. But she was also taking time to appreciate the moment at hand. “It’s a special time,” she said. “You watch everyone go through Match Day before you and then you have this day that you’re always going to remember.”

Lipa wanted to become a doctor because she values human connections, she said. And she saw her specialty as a way to make a significant impact. “I chose internal medicine because it’s a way to connect to diverse pathologies and diverse patients,” she said.

At 10 a.m., a program began that included comments from 2024 class president Frances Akwoule (“Today is the result of all our sleepless nights,” she said), a prayer from Ann Hillman, the Director of Health Sciences Campus Ministry (take a breath, she told the crowd, and take another one,) and good wishes from Father Thomas Neitzke (“Blessings on your continued journey of hope and healing,” he said).

Finally, the moment had arrived. Envelopes were laid out on tables and students rushed to find their names. Cheers began to erupt as they opened the letters that told them where they had matched. Balloons fell from the ceiling and parents threw their arms around their children.

As the celebration continued, Luke Taylor and Michael Chanen realized they had both matched to Loyola University Medical Center. “We’re going to be working together,” said Taylor, who had specialized in general surgery. “I’ll hand you the stylet whenever you need it,” he said, referring to equipment that Chanen would need in his anesthesiology specialty. When asked if this might actually happen, Chanen said, “Usually they don’t but it’s a nice thought.” Collaboration was on the horizon either way. “We’ll communicate during cases for the optimal results for our patients,” he said.

Lipa’s shirt said she had matched at Northwestern McGaw/NMH. “I’m excited,” she said. “It’s my number one choice.” She looked at the family that had come to be with her on Match Day. “Having a support system during these hard years was an important factor,” she said.

With much hard work behind them and a new challenge ahead, students congratulated each other, posed for pictures, and toasted to their future.

Read more stories from the Stritch School of Medicine.