UR Medical students have emotional Match Day

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — It’s Match Day in America! That’s when medical students find out where they’ll be doing their residency.

For the first time since the start of the pandemic, University of Rochester medical students celebrated match day in person!

These medical students have been through a lot. For some of them, they haven’t experienced medicine outside the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now they’re taking their medical professions to the next level.

While some are packing their bags, one student broke down in tears. Filip Koritysskiy is a first-generation immigrant raised by his mother, and he’s one of a few chosen to stay in Rochester.

"I worked so hard to get here, and just to have it work out the way I wanted, I couldn’t ask for anything more," Koritysskiy said. "My mom supported me. We had such long nights. I really don’t know. I did it."

Even the Senior Associate Dean for Medical School Education at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry almost teared up talking about all the work these students have done and how far they’ve come all during a pandemic.

"We’re very fortunate that because of our relationship as part of the University and the Medical Center our students were able to get their clinical training in-person compared to other medical schools across the state of New York and the country," said Dr. David Lambert.

The students say they’ve learned a lot through it all.

"As far as what the future holds, we’re hoping we can continue to improve treatment and prevention of COVID," said Peter Sobraske.

He grew up in Victor and found out today he’s headed to San Antonio, Texas for his residency.

"I think if we learn anything from this, it’s how to prepare for the next one and how to swiftly respond to a pandemic like this," Sobraske said.

News10NBC wants to say congratulations and thank you to all the local students moving forward in their medical careers.