At noon on March 17, students, faculty and staff from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine gathered for Match Day 2011, the annual day when medical school seniors learn where they will go for residency training in their chosen specialties.

“The VCU School of Medicine Class of 2011 achieved outstanding results in the National Resident Matching Program,” said Christopher M. Woleben, M.D., associate dean of student affairs in the VCU School of Medicine. Of the 171 students who participated in the Match, 98 percent have secured positions. Of particular interest, 95 percent of VCU School of Medicine students matched prior to the “Scramble,” a figure that is once again above this year’s national average of 94 percent.

“We are proud to have 63 students matched into Primary Care specialties — 24 in categorical internal medicine, 22 in family medicine, 14 in general pediatrics and three to meds/peds combined programs,” said Woleben, who also noted the success of 58 students who matched into particularly competitive specialties.

VCU School of Medicine Marks National Match Day

• Fourth-year students learn where they will go for residency training
• VCU Health System prepares for new class of resident physicians