Golden Ticket Punched: Class of 2026 Discovers Their Matches

From imagination to reality, Match Day was a magical moment for the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix’s Class of 2026. For the past four years, they have served as exemplars of the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix’s mission to inspire and train exceptional physicians, scientists and leaders who will optimize health and health care in Arizona and beyond.

And under the Palo Verde trees in front of the Biomedical Sciences Partnership Building — surrounded by family and friends — they were able to savor all the hard work it took to get to this day.

Ranita Sharma, MD, executive vice dean of the college, opened the festivities, highlighting the significance of their collective achievement. “Match Day is a watershed moment in each student’s journey in medicine. As nascent physicians-to-be, let purpose, grit, discipline and humility define your journey,” she said. “The strength and resilience you’ve built over the past four years will be vital as you step into the clinical world.”

Dr. Sharma spoke on behalf of Dean Fred Wondisford, MD, MS, MBA, who was attending his daughter’s own Match Day at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Despite being unable to attend, Dean Wondisford offered a message to the class as they prepared for their big moment. “I know I speak for our campus when I say that we are tremendously proud of the Class of 2026 and all that they’ve accomplished in their time with the college. This is a special group,” he said.

As his remarks concluded and the countdown ticked down to 1, the anticipation reached a fever pitch. In a flash, the Class of 2026 tore into their custom Wildcat MD chocolate bars to reveal a golden ticket displaying the next step in their lifelong commitment to the noblest profession.

Though the moment itself was fleeting, their elation will not be. That excitement was well earned for the Class of 2026. Stephanie Briney, DO, associate dean of Student Affairs, noted what made them such a unique and distinctive group. “We’ve seen you in action; we’ve worked with you at the bedside and in the clinic; volunteered alongside you; and been inspired by how you’ve led and taught the classes behind you,” she said. “Without a doubt, every student in the Class of 2026 will make excellent future physicians.”

More than 100 medical students from the college entered this year’s Match, vying with more than 50,000 applicants from across the country for competitive placements and specialties. Their success was notable. Class of 2026 students matched into highly sought after fields — such as dermatology, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, psychiatry and otolaryngology — and at prominent institutions like Harvard, Yale, Washington University, Stanford, Boston Children’s, Phoenix Children’s and the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix. 

More encouraging for the future of health care in Arizona, nearly 30% of the students will be staying in the desert for all years of their residency training — further helping to address the severe physician shortage facing the Grand Canyon State.

Now, the final hurdle for the Class of 2026 — their next destination signified through a pin on the Match Day map — is their Convocation on Monday, May 11, at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix. It is yet another momentous milestone in their medical studies.

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, Videos and More

• Class of 2026 Match Day Ceremony.
• Class of 2026 Match Day Recap.
• Photos from the event (more to come).

Class of 2026 Fast Facts

• One hundred and seven (107) seniors entered the match this year, including those who applied to military and early match programs.
• Thirty-two students are staying in AZ for all years of their residency training.
  • Of the 38 AZ students completing one or more years of training in AZ, there will be:
    • Fifteen at U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix.
    • Three at U of A College of Medicine – Tucson.
    • Six at Creighton University Affiliated Hospitals
    • Seven at Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education – AZ.
    • Two at Phoenix Children’s.
    • Five at other training sites around the state.
• Twenty-five states in all will be represented as the students depart for their residencies.

Class of 2026 Match Day Profiles