Georgetown Medical Students Find Their Match

Posted in GUMC Stories

March 18, 2016 — For the Georgetown University School of Medicine Class of 2016, four years of hard work culminated at noon on March 18 at the annual event known as Match Day, when they joined fourth year medical students across the country in opening the envelopes that contain their assigned residencies.

Since 1952, the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) has used a mathematical algorithm to match graduates with residency programs. In a mutual selection process, applicants and programs rank their choices, and NRMP makes the matches.

At 11:58 a.m., nearly 200 Georgetown students gathered with their friends and family, anxiously awaiting the moment their futures would be revealed.

“This is a tribute to you and all the hard work that you have done with us over the last four years,” said Edward B. Healton, MD, MPH, executive vice president for health sciences and executive dean of the School of Medicine, as he addressed students and Match Day guests.

THE BIG REVEAL

Nick Scoulios matched with the internal medicine program at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.

“I was pretty calm when I was opening the envelope because I practice enough meditation and yoga that I don’t really get anxious about where life takes you,” said Scoulios.  

When he did finally get a look, he was excited to discover that he would be sticking around.

“I’m really excited that I’m going to be staying in DC, going to a wonderful training program, in a wonderful city, with wonderful people.”

A PASSION FOR HEALTH POLICY

Scoulios’ interest in internal medicine is coupled with a passion for health policy, making a residency in the nation’s capitol a clear boon.

“I plan to split my time between clinical work, either inpatient or outpatient, and working to better the hospital’s connection to and impact on community development,” said Scoulios. “Specifically, I want to find ways of collaborating with different sectors to come up with solutions for problems at the city level.”

Under the Affordable Care Act, hospitals are required to conduct community health needs assessments. The administration consults community leaders and holds meetings with clinicians and policy experts with the goal of developing effective community benefit programs.

“This training program will prepare me to be an excellent clinician,” said Scoulios. “And it is my hope that developing these additional skills will allow me to assist in implementing changes in our city and community structure that will create healthier spaces for everyone.”

WATCH: Match Day excitement caught on tape (new window)!

By Leigh Ann Renzulli
GUMC Communications