Match Day 2026 Marks a New Chapter for the Class of 2026
Sunny skies and the first day of spring were the backdrop for Match Day on March 20, when the Class of 2026 learned where they will head next on their medical career journey
On March 20, the UVA School of Medicine Class of 2026 joined medical students nationwide in celebrating Match Day and reaching the next milestone in their medical career journey.
The day began with a class meeting and breakfast, hosted by the UVA Medical Alumni Association, at the Claude Moore Medical Education Building. Students then joined family and friends on the steps of Old Cabell Hall for a class photo and celebratory toast by David Moyer, DC.
During the 90-minute ceremony, held inside the historic Old Cabell Hall, class officers shared memories and words of encouragement with classmates. Next, Colin Derdeyn, MD ’88, interim dean of the UVA School of Medicine, addressed students. “We are extraordinarily proud of you — not just for matching today, but for the dedication, integrity, and compassion you have shown throughout your training,” he said.
The sealed envelopes were drawn at random and distributed to students by their college deans and special guest Vivian Pinn, MD ’67. At noon, most of the students, families, and friends headed out to the Lawn, opening their envelopes and revealing their match results.
The Class of 2026 matched into 25 different specialties across 29 different states and the District of Columbia. Their placements reflect both the breadth of medical interests within the class and the strength of their training at the School of Medicine.
Malinda Gong matched at Duke in diagnostic radiology. She said, “UVA is a great place to train, and I felt really supported here. It has all culminated into this day.”
Thirty students matched at UVA for some or all of their residency training, including Jacob Frenchman who matched in internal medicine. “I’m so excited to be staying in Charlotteville. We love it here so much. I’m excited to be with all of my classmates starting residency in July.”
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
View the complete Match Day results.
See photos from Match Day – coming soon!
