NEXT STEPS

Brody students count down to graduation after residency matches

Friday, May 5 marks a major milestone in the lives of 5,542 students receiving degrees during commencement ceremonies at East Carolina University. Among them are 76 fourth-year medical students from the Brody School of Medicine, who learned their residency destinations during an emotional ceremony several weeks ago.

Before they can independently provide direct patient care, U.S. medical school graduates must complete a three- to seven-year residency program accredited in a recognized medical specialty. The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) is the organization that places applicants for postgraduate medical training positions into the various residency programs at teaching hospitals across the country.

In keeping with Brody’s mission to tackle the statewide shortage of primary care physicians, 61 percent of Brody graduates will be entering primary care residencies, and 36 percent will remain in North Carolina for their training.

Watch the video above to take a look back at the significant moment – one they had worked many years to earn – when the students found out where they are headed next in their educational journey.

Click here to see a photo story about the soon-to-be graduates receiving their placements at Match Day 2017.

Their degrees will be conferred on Friday during the university-wide commencement at 9 a.m. and at a smaller ceremony at 8 p.m. in Wright Auditorium.