All Roads Lead to Residency: The Class of 2025 Match

For the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix’s Class of 2025, stepping into the unknown is hardly a new task.

Dealing with the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the class journeyed through their first year with ease, despite the challenges around them. Throughout that early tumultuous time, as well as the highs and lows of their ensuing medical education, the class of 2025 arrived at Match Day, Friday, March 21, with unrivaled elation.

The road they began in 2021 led them to this moment. Under the Palo Verde trees of the Biomedical Sciences Partnership Building (BSPB), surrounded my friends and family, they reaped the rewards of their hard work.

The class’s excitement is well-earned and, in his introductory remarks, Dean Fred E. Wondisford, MD, MS, MBA, expressed his joy in witnessing the momentous occasion for the medical students.

“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,” Dean 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.”

In the midst of the trees, among their loved ones and encouraged by faculty, staff and fellow medical students, the Class of 2025 tore open the envelopes containing their matches. 

As that initial elation slowly simmered down, Stephanie Briney, DO, associate dean of Student Affairs, addressed the future MDs and their supporters.

“Every student here with us today has persevered through intensive studies, passed daunting board exams and navigated numerous challenges along the way,” Dr. Briney said. “You’ve demonstrated your fortitude and dedication to improving the health and lives of others, and you’ve endured the rigors of the Match.

Dr. Briney spoke regarding the talents of this year’s cohort, stating the class has exceeded all expectations in every way from the beginning.

“They [the Class of 2025] have expertly navigated the road to residency as a team and didn’t let detours or speed bumps hold them back from their aspirations and commitment to medicine,” Dr. Briney said. “Every one of them has contributed to the collective success of the class, and they will make excellent physicians in their chosen specialties.”

Nearly 120 medical students from the college were among the pool of applicants from around the country who registered in the 2025 Main Residency Match.

The class of 2025 matched into highly competitive fields like pathology, urology, neurological surgery and anesthesiology at prestigious institutions across the country — such as the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Barrow Neurological Institute, and University of Washington. 

More than 30% of this year’s class will begin their first year of training in Arizona. Of the 37 students who will remain in Arizona for at least one year of Graduate Medical Education, 28 will complete all years of residency training here in the Grand Canyon State.

As each student took to the stage, announcing their name and which residency program they matched into, they placed their pin on the Match Day map — a symbolic gesture of where their road will now take them.

The culmination of a complex, year-long process, the Match is about finding the right fit. Future physicians seek the specialty, residency program and mentors who will help them complete their professional training. Residency programs search for talented physicians who will advance the specialty and improve patient outcomes.

Match results are released nationally by the National Resident Matching Program^™ and announced at Match Day ceremonies coordinated to occur each year on the same date (the third Friday in March) at the same time.

Photos and Videos

• Class of 2025 Match Day Ceremony.
• Class of 2025 Match Day Recap.
• Photos from the event (more to come).

Class of 2025 Fast Facts

• One hundred and eighteen (118) seniors entered the match this year, including those who applied to military and early match programs.
• Twenty-eight students are staying in AZ for all years of their residency training.
  • Of the 37 AZ students completing one or more years of training in AZ, there will be:
    • Seventeen at U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix.
    • Two at U of A College of Medicine – Tucson.
    • Six at Creighton University Affiliated Hospitals
    • Five at Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education – AZ.
    • Seven at other training sites around the state.
• Twenty-nine states in all will be represented as the students depart for their residencies.

Class of 2025 Match Day Profiles