Record-Breaking Matches Achieved for TUCOM

Students from the Class of 2024 secured placements across 17 diverse medical specialties, including primary care, osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine, emergency medicine, and more, exemplifying excellence and versatility in the medical field. Notably, the Class of 2024 has shattered records by matching from Hawaii to Connecticut, with an outstanding 76% of students securing coveted positions in California. 

Setting a new standard of success, more than one-third of graduates have been placed along California’s ‘Capital Corridor,’ a testament to TUCOM’s pivotal role in addressing healthcare needs across the state. With 62% of graduates dedicating themselves to primary care, TUCOM reaffirms its commitment to fostering compassionate and community-oriented healthcare professionals. Additionally, TUCOM senior students once again matched into the foundation of the profession – osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine (ONMM).  TUCOM remains a national leader within the specialty as measured by number of residents over the last 10 years.

“I am immensely proud of our Class of 2024 students. Their resilience and determination throughout their medical school journey, especially during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, have been truly remarkable,” said Dr. Tami Hendriksz, Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine. “They have exemplified grit and perseverance, completing their entire medical education amidst the pandemic, including pioneering distance education for their preclinical years. Their exceptional accomplishments, highlighted by their impressive residency matches, reflect the caliber of this extraordinary group.”

Across the country, senior medical students learned where they will be going for residency in a simultaneous online release of results that is considered a rite of passage for young physicians. The matching process starts in a student’s last year of medical school during which they apply to residency programs and submit a rank order list of their choices to the National Resident Matching Program.

In turn, residency programs submit a list of their candidates in preferred order. The Matching Program uses a computer algorithm to match students to residencies based on the student’s ranked order and complementary match with the program. While in residency for the next three to five years, graduates will gain specialized training in their area of focus.

“The Class of 2024 stands out for their resilience through the pandemic, outstanding growth during clinical training, and recognition by their preceptors for professionalism and communication skills,” said Dr. Walter Hartwig, Director of Enrollment Management and Student Success. “They have concentrated our presence throughout the state and broadened our reach by matching to new patient communities and healthcare systems.”  

Dr. Hendriksz acknowledged Dr. Hartwig’s dedication and described him as an exceptional mentor “who consistently goes above and beyond to support each individual student through the residency match process.”

“His dedication to fostering personal connections and providing tailored guidance ensures that every student feels supported and empowered as they navigate this critical stage of their medical journey,” she added.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, TUCOM student-doctors have persevered through their clinical rotations and excelled in embodying the mission of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, particularly in primary care.

“Their resilience in the face of adversity, alongside the unwavering support of faculty and staff, has set new records for our university and serves as a testament to their commitment to healthcare excellence,” Dr. Hendriksz added.

In a considerable milestone, TUCOM now celebrates its 24th graduating class, marking a significant achievement of 3,000 alumni osteopathic physicians who continue to shape the future of healthcare.