On March 21, 2025, medical students across the United States experienced a pivotal moment in their careers: Match Day. This year, the residency placement statistics revealed a remarkable picture, particularly in radiology and among graduates from the Central Michigan University (CMU) College of Medicine.
More residency positions filled during Match Day 2025 than in previous years, albeit with some spots still remaining open. According to the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP), the integrated interventional radiology resident positions were all filled, marking a successful year in that specialty. Meanwhile, diagnostic radiology also showed strength, with 97.4% of positions filled.
The numbers tell an encouraging story. More than 52,000 applicants registered with the NRMP this year, a 4.1% increase from 2024. This surge in applicants underlines the growing interest in medical careers and highlights the competitive nature of residency placements. Specifically, 52,498 applicants vied for one of the 6,626 certified program tracks available this year, marking an all-time high in residency programs offered.
In diagnostic radiology, the figures are noteworthy. For postgraduate year (PGY)-1 slots, 147 out of 151 positions were filled, representing a match rate of 97.4%. In the PGY-2 category, 1,042 of 1,057 positions were filled (98.6%). The interventional radiology specialty also boasted a 100% match rate for PGY-1 positions, filling all 52 slots available.
Among the applicants, U.S. MD seniors constituted the largest group, with 20,368 active applicants. They maintained a PGY-1 match rate of 93.5%, consistent with last year, indicating that despite an increase of about 613 applicants, competition remains fierce but fair.
At the CMU College of Medicine, the excitement was palpable as the Class of 2025 celebrated achieving a 100% residency match rate, an accomplishment that reflects both their hard work and the strength of their program. All 97 students successfully matched with health care systems across the country. Notably, over half of the class is set to remain in Michigan for their residency training, and 74% are pursuing primary care specialties, a significant trend in the current healthcare landscape.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our students and our program,” said Dr. George E. Kikano, dean of the college. “This class has shown true devotion to medicine, embracing both the scientific and human elements that are so important for quality care.”
The emotional weight of Match Day was exemplified during the moment of revelation when students opened their envelopes at noon. Cheers filled the air as each student grasped their next steps in their medical journeys.
Among the Class of 2025, Ian Kuo, who matched into the pediatric residency program at the University of Chicago, shared how teaching influenced his path into medicine. After initially pursuing a teaching career, he connected with friends in medical school and shadowed physicians, which reignited his passion for healthcare. Reflecting on his transition, he remarked, “Make the most of the opportunities you have, even if it’s hard, because you don’t know if you will have the chance to do it again.”
Similarly, Landon Saipale's career shift from finance to medicine stemmed from a mentorship with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Justin Field, which occurred during their casual tennis matches. Through job shadowing and the guidance of mentors, Landon realized his true calling in psychiatry and matched with Prisma Health University of South Carolina Greenville/Greer.
He offered this advice to aspiring medical students: “The journey is long and challenging and tiring. Don’t lose sight of why you’re doing this. It’s going to be hard, no matter what.”
The focus on primary care pathways during this cohort’s match is significant, reflecting a broader trend in the U.S. healthcare system. The addition of core specialties, especially those emphasizing preventive medicine, showcases a response to the increasing demand for comprehensive care, addressing both existing health issues and those arising from social determinants of health.
As Match Day 2025 symbolizes the culmination of years of dedication, it also marks the beginning of a new chapter for thousands of future physicians. With all integrated interventional radiology positions filled and an increase in applicants across specialties, the aspirations of today’s students are becoming realities, fostering hope for the future of healthcare.
For more detailed statistics or information, individuals can access the full data available on the NRMP’s website, which provides annual insights into the ever-evolving landscape of medical residency placements.
