On December 10, 2021, the Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM) held a Military Match Day Ceremony celebrating six students from the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2022. All six became the first of MU-COM's fourth-year medical students to learn where they will complete their post-doctoral specialty training, commonly known as medical residency.

As participants in the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), these students will serve as commissioned medical officers. Representing the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Navy, each will soon practice medicine in military hospitals, clinics, and bases in California, Washington, Florida, Texas, and Ohio.

Student doctor Emily Yocom will relocate from the Midwest to the west coast to practice Family Medicine at the David Grant Medical Center in Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California. The HPSP program allowed her the opportunity to combine military service with her hopes of attending medical school. Recalling a rotation in California last fall, Yocom stated, "Taking care of the Air Force/military population was so interesting and rewarding. I cannot wait to see what my next assignment brings and the new skills I will learn to make me a better military physician."

Student doctor Adelaide (Addy) Calhoun matched into the integrated civilian/military residency program at Wright State University and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to specialize in Internal Medicine. "It is so exciting and satisfying to know already where I will be for my residency because it is proof that all my hard work has finally paid off," said Calhoun. "I am looking forward to forming new friendships with my co-interns/residents, learning from awesome faculty, building relationships with patients, and making Dayton into my new home!"

"These HPSP students have made a commitment to their future patients and our country," said Amanda Wright, DO, dean of MU-COM and associate professor of family medicine. "We are all grateful for the integrity, competence, and compassion these students have exemplified while juggling their academic, military, and family obligations. I hope they have a long and prosperous future of continuing these noble works."

"The dedication and commitment these students have demonstrated to medicine and our country are inspiring," said Clif Knight, MD, CPE, FAAFP, assistant dean of clinical affairs and associate professor of family medicine. "They are pursuing a variety of both primary care and more subspecialized careers to serve their military peers and communities. They all deserve our admiration and appreciation. Their excellence reflects well on Marian University and the College of Osteopathic Medicine."

The 140+ remaining civilian members of the Class of 2022 are at the beginning of the match process. They will face steep competition for coveted placements and specialties with more than 46,000 other medical school students—culminating in a nationwide Match Day at precisely noon on Friday, March 18.