Une Com Match Day 2023

Good morning everyone! Welcome to the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine's Match Day celebration. I'm Vin Bonacor, the Associate Dean of Recruitment, Student, and Alumni Services. I have the privilege of congratulating the Class of 2023 on this momentous occasion. Congratulations, everyone!

A Surreal Gathering of Dedication and Hard Work

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the incredible turnout we have today. We have never seen this many people at Match Day before, and we are thrilled to have you all here. This must feel surreal for our students, considering all the hard work and dedication it took to reach this point. It all started 1,356 days ago, if my memory serves me right. Last time we saw you, we were all on Zoom, and we have some colleagues joining us via Zoom again today. We have about 95 of our students present here and the rest tuning in online. A special shout out to those who couldn't be here with us physically; we know they're anxiously waiting at home or taking a well-deserved rest.

Ground Rules and Anticipation

Now, let me lay out the ground rules for today's program. Every student should have received a blue envelope containing the names of programs across the country that would be honored to have a Unicom graduate. As much as you may be itching to open them, do not do so until 12 noon. If you're unable to wait, hand it to someone you trust, and they'll keep it safe. At 12 noon, we will all tear them open and celebrate together.

I also want to acknowledge the support systems present here today. To all the parents, siblings, and loved ones, thank you for standing by your students throughout their journey. Your support will continue as they go into their residency. We are delighted to have you here with us. Shortly, you will hear from Dr. Defeo, our Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Education, as well as some other speakers, including President Herbert. We will also hear from your class president and vice president, who will lead us in a toast. So, at some point, we will all raise our glasses to celebrate. I know it's early morning, and there's a lot of nervous energy, but we are genuinely excited for you.

Striving for the Best Match

Here's to hoping that wherever you are matched will be the best, smartest, and most fitting match for you. We are immensely proud and thrilled to have you as part of the Class of 2023. On behalf of the entire RSA office, I extend our warmest congratulations to all of you and your families.

Now, let's hear from Dr. Defeo.

One Step Closer to Being Called "Doctor"

Greetings, everyone! Allow me to be yet another person to express my gratitude and congratulations to our new doctors. With this match, you are one step closer to truly being called "doctor." Those of you matched in New York City, turn around and take a look; that's what your commute will look like waiting for the subway. But seriously, on behalf of Dean Carrero, myself, the clinical education department, and everyone at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, congratulations and thank you.

We want to acknowledge not just the parents and support systems, but also the students themselves. This journey to match into a residency was not easy. It required a lot of hard work and dedication. As a parent myself, I know that watching your child succeed and embark on their chosen career is one of the proudest moments. This position allows me to witness countless smiling faces, and I am thrilled to see that you all have matched.

You created a list ranking the programs you were interested in, so there may be a bit of surprise as to where you ended up. But remember, this is just the beginning of a long journey. It's like receiving your driver's license and trading in your old car for a new one. You're also entering a stage where you'll finally start earning a salary after volunteering for years. I know you all paid your dues, and I am excited for this next chapter in your lives.

Congratulations and Continued Support

In conclusion, congratulations again to the Class of 2023. Your hard work has paid off, and we couldn't be prouder. Enjoy this day of celebration, and know that we are here to support you every step of the way.