Students from the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University celebrated their Match Day on March 21, marking the next step in their medical careers. Among the 130 graduating students were Mike Sova and Alaba Danagogo, each with unique backgrounds and aspirations.
Match Day is a nationwide event where medical students learn about their residency placements. This year, RSOM students matched to over 20 specialties across New York and 17 other states. Notably, 55% will remain in New York State, with 14% continuing at Stony Brook Medicine.
Peter Igarashi, MD, Knapp Dean of RSOM, commented on the success of this year's match: “We are delighted that 27 percent of our students matched to primary care specialties, helping to address a critical community need.” He also highlighted that all residency positions at Stony Brook Medicine were filled.
The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) reported over 40,000 positions filled this year, setting a new record in its history.
Sova's journey into medicine was inspired by his personal health challenges and passion for music. He will begin his internal medicine residency at Massachusetts General Hospital. Danagogo will enter a physical medicine and rehabilitation residency after transitional training at Montefiore Medical Center/Einstein. Her academic journey was supported by a prestigious scholarship from Syracuse University.
Danagogo has been active in promoting anti-racism through creative writing workshops she initiated at RSOM. Her efforts have led to the adoption of her program into the school's curriculum.
As these graduates prepare for their residencies starting around July 1, they join a new generation of physicians poised to tackle future healthcare challenges with innovative technologies and practices.