Despite social distancing, UC Medical students celebrate a Match

Social media has sometimes been seen as the culprit of social isolation. 

But in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s allowing medical students at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine to stay connected as they celebrate Match Day with friends and loved ones, albeit with proper social distancing.

It’s a rite of passage for fourth-year medical students around the nation as they learn where they will complete the next three to seven years of residency training in specialties across the nation.

Under normal circumstances, today would involve a massive celebration with hundreds of UC students, their families, faculty and others in UC’s Kresge Auditorium. However, like most other events, UC’s in-person Match Day was canceled to halt the spread of COVID-19. 

Instead, medical students such as Andrew Furthmiller are sharing their match day experiences with family by using FaceTime on their phones or posting on Twitter, Instagram and other social media platforms. (Check out the hashtag #CincyMatch2020.)

Furthmiller said his initial interest in pediatrics has only grown since entering medical school.

“What I really love about pediatrics is that it is never just about the young patient, but also the family unit, the caregivers and siblings,” he said. “It is a team approach to medicine and really not like any other area of medicine that I have seen. I really love working with families, particularly worried families that need education or guidance or assurance.”

Residency programs for many medical students typically start in July and Furthmiller says he’s ready.

“I do feel prepared. I think that UC has set me up really well,” he added. “I have been fortunate that my medical education has not really been impacted by coronavirus, and the key rotations have continued. In this time of uncertainty, understanding what I am walking into in July is a little different. Children may not be as affected, but there are still a lot of worried parents. I am ready to start.”

Jacqyln Riemersma, a fourth-year med student, matched into obstetrics and gynecology and will do her residency at UC Medical Center. She was at home with her fiance, parents and sister when she learned she got her first pick for residency.

“I was so happy and my mom has this crazy video on Facebook of me screaming my head off,” said Riemersma, who also posted a picture on Instagram.

She said she decided her passion was helping patients in OBGYN during her third year of medical school. Riemersma was doing a clinical rotation at UC Medical Center. “I fell in love with the program and the patients at UC Medical Center. This has been a really memorable Match Day.”

Featured image at top: Andrew Furthmiller with his family soon after learning he matched at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. photo/provided