UIWSOM Celebrates Future Doctors at 2026 Match Day Celebration

On Friday, March 20, National Match Day was celebrated at medical schools across the nation. This annual celebration welcomes medical students seeking residency and fellowship training positions in the United States as they receive their results from the National Resident Matching Program and share their results with their loved ones.

The University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM) was joined by its medical students and their guests at the Boeing Center for the 2026 Match Day Ceremony. Surrounded by their family, friends, fellow students, mentors and more, future doctors looked forward to learning where in the country they'll get to serve others, extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ through their own hands.

"Today, as we meet under the name of the Word Incarnate, we give thanks to God for the great gift of the future you have bestowed upon these students," prayed David J. Bayardo, MATS, MDiv, UIWSOM director of Mission Integration, as he led the ceremony's invocation. "All the years of work, dedication, prayer and discernment have brought us to this seminal day in the future for health care of the world. You have chosen these, your children, as your voice that they might speak your truth, your feet that they may walk with the sick as you do and you've chosen them as your hands that their touch may be a healing one for your greater glory."

James T. Pham, DO, FACOFP, dean of UIWSOM, joined guests on the mainstage, looking out on the next generation of physicians who will reflect UIWSOM's commitment to developing health professionals that will deliver "responsive care for all patients to enhance patient safety and improve patient outcomes" (osteopathic-medicine.uiw.edu).

Additionally, he looked out across the many guests who came in support of honored medical students, acknowledging how essential their support is in the journeys of UIWSOM students.

"Match Day is one of the most meaningful traditions in medical education," noted James T. Pham, DO, FACOFP, dean of UIWSOM. "Today, we celebrate the culmination of countless hours of studying, clinical training, perseverance and growth. I could not be prouder of each and every one of you. The envelopes you will soon open represent opportunity, challenge and the next step towards becoming the physicians you have worked so hard to become. On behalf of the faculty, staff and administration, congratulations to each of you on your recent remarkable achievement. You have earned this moment!"

With anticipation in the air, the entire room counted down from 10 all the way to one, when every student excitedly ripped open their Match Day results. The Boeing Center erupted in proud applause and cheers as students finally revealed what facilities they'd be serving in their preferred medical specialty.

UIWSOM Class of 2026 applicants impressively received a 90% match rate with a 100% placement rate. Students matched specialties including Anesthesiology, Child Neurology, Family Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and more. They will be further developing their skills as professionals in states such as Washington, California, Colorado, Florida, New York and even in the lone star state of Texas.

Students took to the mainstage to share their match results with their UIWSOM community, all wearing proud smiles.

"Remember that every day you're doing what you love," Martin Timoney, EdD, offered advice to soon-to-be doctors. "Residency will sometimes feel very long, sometimes feel like it's flying by - it will always be exhausting. So, take time every once in a while, to remember that being a doctor is an honor and something you can find joy and meaning in."

Congratulations, UIWSOM Class of 2026!