On Friday, March 21, 2025, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) students from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), who participated in the National Residency Ranking Program (NRMP), will take the next step in their professional journeys at the College's annual Match Day celebration, when they learn where they will complete their residency training.
The highly anticipated event will be held across all three PCOM campuses, bringing together students, faculty, family and friends to mark a milestone moment in each student's path to becoming a physician.
PCOM will hold special celebrations across its campuses to commemorate the day, including congratulatory messages and remarks from faculty and class representatives as the students count down to the noon hour when they can officially open their match letters.
After months of interviews and applications, students participating in the NRMP program will receive match results, determining their future specialty and training location. It is a day filled with joy and excitement as students open their envelopes and embark on the next chapter of their medical careers.
“Match Day is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication,” said Peter Bidey, DO '08, dean and chief academic officer of PCOM Osteopathic Medicine Program. “It is a testament to the resilience and determination of our students, who have committed themselves to the practice of osteopathic medicine.”
PCOM has a strong track record of near-perfect residency placements for its DO students across all campuses. In 2024, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia achieved a 100% residency and clinical research placement rate, while the Philadelphia campus attained a 99.6% placement rate. If a student does not initially match, PCOM faculty advisors offer personalized guidance through the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP), helping them explore new opportunities, connect with residency programs and successfully secure a placement.
For some students, the excitement surrounding their residency placement has already begun. Those entering specialties such as urology and ophthalmology and those entering residency through the military have received their placements ahead of the main event. Kathryn Doherty (DO '25), who recently matched into a urology residency at Albany Medical College, reflected on the moment she received her results.
“I felt so many emotions at once: shock, excitement, relief, happiness,” she said. “Most of all, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. All of the doubt and fear had been replaced with the excitement of accomplishing a goal.”
Established in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms. PCOM, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
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