Rush medical students learn residency placements during Match Day celebration

CHICAGO — Rush Medical students in Chicago were overjoyed during a Match Day celebration where they finally learned where they would be practicing their residencies.

On Friday at 11 a.m. on the dot, a group of fourth-year Rush Medical College students, joined by family and friends, took part in Match Day with other soon-to-be med grads all across the country.

With the rip of an envelope, students found out if they matched with one of their top picks to train as a resident.

“I actually matched at the Rush County joint program, so I’ll be staying here in Chicago,” medical student Rida Khan said.

In the midst of the well-deserved jubilation, these medical students are entering the field at a time when more and more physicians are needed to keep up with demand.

According to a National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (NCHWA)  study, by 2037 there will be a shortage of more than 187,000 physicians across the board, with a greater impact in rural areas.

“That means that folks who have chronic conditions, like hypertension diabetes, asthma, you know, cancer prevention, a lot of those services are going to be delayed,” Dr. Carl Lambert, Associate Professor, Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, said.

More than 87,000 of the 2037 vacancies are expected within primary care, which includes, internal and family medicine, a field Haley Bylina will train in at Advocate Lutheran General in Park Ridge.

“There is such a shortage for primary care physicians and really at the root of it there is an absolute need to address these health issues that happen at a, you know, foundational level,” Bylina said.

Dr. Cynthia Boyd said new doctors not replacing retiring primary care physicians and less pay are playing a part in the shortage, but she and Lambert hope exposing medical students to the importance of primary care makes a difference.

“You’re like the quarterback. I like to think of it like that way. The call comes to you and you get to decide what the play is,” Lambert said.

150 Rush medical students participated in Match Day and they will graduate on May 3rd.