MOULTRIE — A milestone event for medical students — matching with residency programs across the nation — was held at PCOM South Georgia March 21 in Moultrie.

Match Day is the day students find out where they will spend their next three to five years. It usually occurs on the third Friday in March.

Medical students, who are anticipating graduating before July 1 and plan to pursue a specialty, register for the National Residency Matching Program system. This mathematical algorithm places applicants in the preferred residency and fellowship positions, according to NRMP.org. Those medical students who aren’t matched receive information about unfilled residency spots.

PCOM started its Match Day celebration with a welcome ceremony by the dean of the Osteopathic Medicine Program of PCOM, Marla DePolo Golden. It was emotional for many of the students who hadn’t seen their classmates for some time.

“No matter where you end up, you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. Make the most of it. You never know who you’re going to meet,” said Golden.

Remarks to the students were also made by Jay S. Feldstein, DO, president and chief executive officer, and Tina Woodruff, EdD senior advisor to the provost.

The Envelope Opening is a vital part of Match Day. It’s where medical schools receive a list of matched students and their residency programs, which are then printed and placed in sealed envelopes.

The tradition is followed by medical schools across the country. Students simultaneously open their envelopes each year on the third Friday in March, as soon as it strikes noon, Eastern Time. The importance of this is a rite of passage, signifying the start of residency training and the beginning of a medical career.

“I’m very excited to be here and this was my first choice of residency,” said Mailyn Cruz, who is now a new resident of psychology at Colquitt Regional Medical Center.