Cheers erupted as members of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College Class of 2026—surrounded by loved ones—tore open their envelopes to reveal where they would complete their residencies.
Years of late-night study sessions and intense hands-on clinical training led to this Match Day, an annual rite of passage for medical students across the country.
“Matching at Jefferson was my top choice,” beams Chioma Nwanonyiri, who will train in psychiatry. “I loved the mentors and attendings I worked with. It’s really meaningful to me.”
Pursuing internal medicine, classmate Jeffrey Zhou will continue at Jefferson as well. “It means everything to match here,” he says. “This is where I wanted to be. I’m so excited to stay in Philly and stay at Jefferson.”
Match Day Marks Defining Moment for Jefferson Medical Students
The Sidney Kimmel Medical College Class of 2026 takes the next career step, matching into residency programs across the country.
The Sidney Kimmel Medical College Class of 2026 celebrates with classmates and loved ones at Match Day. (Photos by ©Thomas Jefferson University Photography Services)
Couple Breanne McDermott and Daniel Cheston matched together in Philadelphia—McDermott at Jefferson for internal medicine and Cheston at Temple University Hospital.
Of 279 SKMC students, 265 participated in the National Resident Matching Program. The remaining 14 students didn’t take part due to early matches in ophthalmology, urology or the military or a residency deferment.
At the March 20 Match Day ceremony inside the Connelly Auditorium, the Class of 2026 toasted its accomplishments and heard from classmates and University leadership, including Dr. Said Ibrahim, the Anthony F. and Gertrude M. DePalma Dean of SKMC.
“What a special day,” he says. “Today marks a new chapter for you in the journey of medicine. We’re so honored to be sharing this momentous day with you. Match Day symbolizes the culmination of years of hard work, dedicated study and an unwavering commitment to the profession.”
SKMC Student Council Co-Presidents Sarah Rivas and Kameron Inguito congratulated their classmates on reaching this career milestone.
“Somewhere between the studying and chaos, we grew—not just as future physicians but as people,” says Inguito, who matched at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center for emergency medicine. “As medical students, we learned that medicine isn’t just about knowledge. It’s about compassion, teamwork and resilience. And sometimes, our most powerful treatment is simply our presence.”
Medical student Chioma Nwanonyiri matched at Jefferson for psychiatry, her top choice.
The specialties receiving the highest number of matches included internal medicine, family medicine, anesthesia and pediatrics, shared Dr. Charles Pohl, the University’s senior vice provost for student affairs and vice dean for student affairs and career counseling at SKMC. Over 40% chose a primary care residency, including internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, medicine-pediatrics and obstetrics/gynecology.
In addition, more than one-third of students will complete their PGY-1 year at Pennsylvania hospitals, and approximately 25% matched to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital or an affiliate.
“Your class will be forever woven into the fabric of Sidney Kimmel Medical College,” says Dr. Pohl, noting Jefferson had one of the highest rates nationally for the early matches of ophthalmology, urology and the military. “We just marveled at the impact you’ve had on our patients, our community and all of us.”
Inside the Connelly Auditorium, the Class of 2026 toasted its accomplishments and heard from classmates and University leadership.
Among them is Ariana Gannon. In December, she learned she had matched early at Brooke Army Medical Center for emergency medicine.
Gannon followed a nontraditional path into medicine. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science, took a gap year and then began working at a local hospital during the pandemic. Helping others inspired her to change career plans and pursue medicine.
She enrolled at SKMC through the U.S. Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program. Gannon holds the rank of second lieutenant in the Air Force, and after graduating in May she will be promoted to captain. Following her residency, she will serve four years of active duty in the Air Force.
Gannon has no regrets about her extended path to enter emergency medicine, especially knowing the impact she can have on people’s lives.
“You’re a problem solver,” she says. “I see it as an opportunity to meet patients with no diagnosis and help figure out what’s going on.”
Student Council Co-Presidents Sarah Rivas and Kameron Inguito pose with Drs. Said Ibrahim and Charles Pohl. Rivas matched at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System for neurological surgery and Inguito at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center for emergency medicine.
Kevin Carolina decided he wanted to enter medicine at age 15 after reading that, in 2014, fewer Black men worked in the field than in 1978. He co-founded Jefferson’s chapter of Black Men in White Coats to increase representation in medicine. The organization’s impact in Philadelphia has expanded to include faith-based health education, youth mentoring, networking events and community outreach.
With his family by his side, Carolina opened the letter to reveal he matched at the University of Maryland Medical Center for internal medicine. The specialty allows him to manage complex conditions while building long-term relationships with patients. Carolina plans to continue his community work during his residency.
“So much of health care is what happens outside the hospital walls, and that has helped shape my perspective,” he says. “Jefferson really supported me, not just academically, but in becoming the kind of physician who shows up for the community.” (Read more about Carolina’s Match Day experience in the Philadelphia Inquirer.)
After the Match Day ceremony, members of the Class of 2026 flocked outside to Lubert Plaza to open their residency envelopes.
Isha Sharan also knew at a young age she wanted to enter the medical field—in particular, neurology—after her father, a neurologist, frequently shared stories with her.
“The diseases affect how people walk, talk, their whole personality, everything they are,” says Sharan, who matched at Johns Hopkins Hospital. “Helping people come back from that would be amazing.”
Couple Breanne McDermott and Daniel Cheston felt a wave of relief and joy after matching together in Philadelphia—McDermott at Jefferson for internal medicine and Cheston at Temple University Hospital.
“We couldn’t be any more excited,” Cheston says. “This is an amazing day for us.”
See more Match Day coverage on 6ABC and Jefferson’s Instagram.
Kevin Carolina, co-founder of Jefferson’s Black Men in White Coats chapter, matched at the University of Maryland Medical Center for internal medicine.