More LSU Grads Choosing to Stay in Louisiana

Almost one-half of Louisiana State University's fourth-year medical students chose to stay in-state for residencies this year, according to the LSU Health Sciences Center's Match Day results.

LSUHSC also filled 93 per cent of its own residencies, up from 87 per cent in the last year before Hurricane Katrina.

LSUHSC and state officials are pleased with the outcome, since physicians tend to stay and practice in the state where they conducted their residency.

Source: "FEMA Funding RSD's Temporary Classrooms," by Stephen Maloney. New Orleans CityBusiness, March 26, 2007.

Match Day 2007

Thousands of fourth-year medical students across the U.S. received envelopes last Friday that contained the name of the hospitals and programs where they will be spending the next several years.

March 16 was 'Match Day,' the annual day on which the National Resident Matching Program announes the outcome of medical students' residency applications. The Match results are sent to schools, which distribute them to students.

According to news reports, over 27,000 applicants took part in this year's Match. Approximately 15,200 were fourth-year students at LCME-accredited (allopathic) medical schools, while the remainder were from osteopathic or foreign medical schools. Approximately 21,845 residencies were available.

44 per cent of the Harvard Medical School's 180 graduating students opted for primary care residencies. Approximately 33 per cent of HMS grads chose internal medicine, and 8 per cent chose emergency care.

49 per cent of Tufts students selected primary care residencies and 18 per cent chose surgical specialties. 5 per cent will perform residencies in the U.S. military.

Over one-third of Louisiana State University's graduating class of 92 students chose primary care residencies. 28 LSU graduates will continue their residencies at the LSU Hospital.

Most U.S. medical schools will hold commencement ceremonies in mid-May. Newly-minted M.D.s will report to their residencies in late June or July.