Celebration, relief, and life-changing news swept through St. George’s University School of Medicine on Friday as students learned where their medical journeys will take them next on Match Day 2026.
More than 804 SGU students and graduates secured first-year US residency positions. * These numbers are expected to rise over the coming weeks.
“Match Day is a defining milestone that reflects years of resilience, determination, and purpose,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, SGU president and dean of the School of Medicine. “Our students have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to their calling, and we are proud to see them step forward to serve patients and communities around the world.”
SGU students and graduates matched into 23 specialties, spanning primary care, subspecialties, and highly competitive fields. They include:
- Internal medicine
- Family medicine
- Surgery
- Emergency medicine
- Psychiatry
- Pediatrics
- Anesthesiology
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Neurology
- Pathology
- Medical genetics
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation
- Interventional radiology
- Dermatology
They will begin training this summer—many at prestigious institutions—as they join residency programs across 42 US states and the District of Columbia.
Match Day marks a pivotal turning point in a medical student’s journey, revealing where years of dedication and perseverance will lead them next. Students and graduates now step into the next phase of their training, seeing their hard work come full circle—this time with “MD” proudly beside their name.
SGU News spoke with students who reflected on the emotions of Match Day and shared what they are most excited about as they begin residency.
Iryna Lager, MD ’26 (expected)
Matched: Surgery
Hospital: The Brooklyn Hospital Center
Hospital location: Brooklyn, NY
How did you feel when you matched? I felt incredibly grateful and proud in that moment. As a mother of six and a former ICU nurse, this journey was not easy, so matching meant everything to my family and me.
What are you most looking forward to in residency? I’m excited to challenge myself and continue growing with a team I already connected with during rotations—they truly feel like family. I’m also looking forward to continuing to learn while providing the best care for my patients.
Jennifer Wallace, MD ’26 (expected)
Matched: Internal medicine
Hospital: HCA Florida/University of South Florida Oak Hill
Hospital location: Brooksville, FL
How did you feel when you matched? I was absolutely ecstatic—it was the moment everything finally felt real after all the hard work. Matching at my number one choice made it even more special, and it still feels a bit unreal.
What are you most looking forward to in residency? I’m excited to continue learning and growing as an internal medicine resident. Every step of this journey showed me how much there is still to learn, and that’s what motivates me.
Hila Elias, MD ’26 (expected)
Matched: Family medicine
Hospital: Northwell Health Plainview
Hospital location: Plainview, NY
How did you feel when you matched? I felt overwhelming relief, gratitude, and pride in that moment. Matching at my first choice made it incredibly meaningful and reflected all the challenges I overcame to get here.
What are you most looking forward to in residency? I’m most looking forward to working with an incredible team and taking advantage of all the learning opportunities within the system. It also means so much to be able to stay close to my family.
Lygia Machado, MD ’26 (expected)
Matched: Internal medicine
Hospital: AdventHealth Orlando
Hospital location: Orlando, FL
How did you feel when you matched? It was surreal, emotional, and pure happiness all at once. Knowing I matched at my number one program—and close to home—made the moment even more special.
What are you most looking forward to in residency? I’m excited to step into my role as a doctor, build meaningful relationships with my patients, and continue learning and growing every single day.
Chioma Gabriel, MD ’26 (expected)
Matched: Family medicine
Hospital: MedStar Georgetown Franklin Square
Hospital location: Baltimore, MD
How did you feel when you matched? I was very emotional before opening my email, it felt like a full-circle moment. When I saw I matched, I was overwhelmed with joy, celebrating with my family with tears, smiles, and gratitude.
What are you most looking forward to in residency? I’m excited to finally step into the career I’ve always dreamed of and to learn from the mentors and team I’ll be working with over the next three years.
Marian Taiwo, MD ’26 (expected)
Matched: Psychiatry
Hospital: MedStar Georgetown University
Hospital location: Baltimore, MD
How did you feel when you matched? I was so excited knowing I secured a residency position. It was an incredible feeling to see all my hard work over the past four years pay off.
What are you most looking forward to in residency? I’m looking forward to meeting my co-residents, growing into a skilled psychiatrist, and building a balanced life while exploring a new city.
*Data as of March 2026
