A record number of students graduating from the University of Wisconsin's School of Medicine and Public Health were accepted to their desired residency programs Thursday.
According to a statement released by UW Hospital, 96 percent of graduating students received residency matches of their choice at the Match Day ceremony March 19.
Not only are students receiving the residencies they want, of which 40 percent are primary care, they are also choosing to stay in-state for their programs.
""We are thrilled that so many students chose to stay in Wisconsin and to respond to the increased demands in our state for primary-care physicians,"" Patrick McBride, associate dean of students, said in a statement. ""We are very happy that our students were able to match into the specialty they want.""
Lisa Brunette, a UW Hospital spokesperson, said it is not abnormal for graduates to stay in Wisconsin for their residency.
""If they are getting matches they wanted and they are staying in Wisconsin … that's a good thing,"" she said.
However, Brunette said the number of students who decided to stay in Wisconsin for their residency varies. This year, the number is higher.
Brunette also said the number of students who were granted their desired residency program is abnormally high. The number had never reached 96 percent before 2009.
""It is not unusual for some people to [get their desired residency], depending on the specialty,"" she said. ""Certainly the higher the number, the better.""
