5 insights from DO graduates who matched in 2026

For the fourth year running, a record-high number of osteopathic medical students and graduates obtained residency placements via the 2026 National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Match in March. A total of 7,928 DO seniors matched; the DO senior match rate was 93.2%. In May, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) reported that the total GME placement rate for DO seniors seeking GME in 2026 is 98.8%.  

To help osteopathic medical students who are preparing to match themselves in the coming years, The DO talked to five recently graduated DOs who received their match results in March. Below, they share insights on what the residency application process is really like and what they learned.

1. Don’t let your racehorse speed keep you from enjoying the journey

“When I received the email confirming my match in internal medicine, I simply thought, “Oh, OK,” and moved on. I wasn’t surprised,” said Christopher Lee, DO, who matched in internal medicine at Scripps Green in San Diego. “I interviewed with nine programs—both community and academic programs—and I knew internal medicine applicants typically matched well.

“However, a new anxiety crept in: Where would I spend the next three years? What rank would satisfy me? Would my program support my fellowship aspirations? And could I be okay with an out-of-state match? Luckily, being on my emergency medicine rotation during match week helped distract me.

“Then came the Friday of match week. I opened the envelope to find that I matched at Scripps Green—one of my top choices. I felt more relieved than happy, content to be in a program where I could envision myself thriving.

“Reflecting on my journey, I realize that I was somewhat numbed by the concept of delayed gratification inherent in medical training. It feels akin to being a racehorse, focused on a singular goal, often losing sight of the progress I’ve made along the way. I now recommend celebrating your successes as they occur—they are all stepping stones to get you where you want to be.”

2. Having mentors is invaluable—we all need them to get to our goals

“I’ve had my sights set on surgery since day one of medical school, and that focus only intensified during my third-year rotations,” said Shalis Danayan, DO. “While the match process is a whirlwind, I am indebted to those who have mentored me and made this accomplishment possible. Mentorship doesn’t always have to be formal—I made a habit of asking physicians about their experiences and why they chose their specialty, and those conversations often led to invaluable guidance and lasting mentorship.

“I am thrilled to have matched into general surgery at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center/Kaiser Permanente Fontana, and to have the opportunity to return to my home state of California to begin my surgical training.”

3. Don’t be afraid to take a chance on yourself—trust that you have worked hard to gain the necessary knowledge to be where you are. Then, pay it forward!

“The Match experience was definitely a nerve-wracking time, especially with the introduction of a new residency application service (ResidencyCAS). It was advertised as a new approach to applicant review, focusing on a holistic approach—which I can attest to,” said Brian Tran, DO, who matched into obstetrics and gynecology at Henry Ford Warren Hospital. “Throughout my sub-I and interview journey, as I spoke with faculty and residents at different programs, I could see that they definitely prioritized getting to know me as a person.

“I was asked about all aspects of my application. I only applied to categorical OB-GYN positions, although I was strongly advised to dual-apply with a less competitive specialty. I was on the fence about it for a while, debating whether I should dual-apply for a preliminary general surgery position or emergency medicine.

“After some time and reflection, I realized I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I took a chance on myself, put my best foot forward and believed in myself and my ability to match into this competitive specialty.

“I am so grateful for all the support and guidance I received from alumni and individuals I met along my medical school journey. I will be forever grateful as I will soon be starting my career in such an amazing field. My one ask for all of you reading this is to pay it forward.”

4. If you’re couples matching, know that your COM is available to help—even if your partner isn’t a DO

“My partner and I attended different medical schools, with him at an allopathic program—but both of our schools worked together with us to help us with our rank list and get us paired together,” said Anna Hill, DO, who matched into family medicine at the University of Arizona-Tucson through the couples match. Her husband, Tyler Hill, MD, will be completing his residency at the same university, having matched into internal medicine. “Ultimately, it was a journey that required a lot of communication, flexibility and trust in the process.

“We are both thrilled with our outcomes and grateful to be moving forward into training together in a way that supports both of our career goals.”

5. If you have a particular specialty in mind, home in on gaining as much experience as you can in it

“During fourth year of medical school, I did multiple sub-Is in pathology to further my exposure to the field prior to residency. I applied only to pathology, as it was the only specialty I could see myself doing,” said David Waggoner, DO. “I came into medical school with the idea of applying to pathology, and built my resume with this focus. I received positive feedback during rotations—a strong tailwind going into interview season.

“The waiting is the hardest part going into Match day. I matched at the University of Illinois Chicago, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to finally become a pathologist.”

Final takeaway

While the match process can be nerve-wracking, remember that the vast majority of DO graduates place into residency programs each year, and many graduates, like the five DOs interviewed for this article, are overjoyed with their match results.

Related reading:

5 DOs share how they matched into their top-choice programs

A DO dermatology program director shares tips & advice for acing the Match process