The Larner Class of 2026—decked out in their finest Western wear, from cowboy boots and hats to suede and fringe in keeping with the “Ridin’ Into Residency!” Match Day theme—gathered with hundreds of family members and friends to discover their futures. Anticipation built throughout the morning and peaked at noon, when the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) released the results of its 2026 Main Residency Match®, revealing where this year’s new physicians will begin their training.
The event marked the culmination of years of dedication and hard work, as 118 students matched, discovering their residency destinations.
“This class has consistently raised the bar for what it means to be a physician-in-training.” — Christa Zehle, M.D.’99
Internal medicine emerged as the most popular specialty, with 18 students choosing the field, followed by psychiatry (14 students) and pediatrics (10 students), reflecting the diverse interests of the class. Other popular specialties included family medicine, emergency medicine, and obstetrics and gynecology.
Geographically, New England was the most popular region, with approximately 35 percent of students staying in the area to continue their training. The West followed as the next most common destination, placing Larner graduates at some of the nation’s most prestigious health care programs.
The long-awaited event commenced with its traditional flair, featuring bagpiper and Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology Emeritus H. James Wallace, M.D.’88, leading the procession of students. Excitement filled the room as Larner College of Medicine Dean and UVM Chief Medical Affairs Officer Richard L. Page, M.D., opened the ceremony with an invitation for the students to stand and applaud the mentors, faculty, and loved ones who supported them throughout their medical school journey before Medical Student Council President Adama Aja ’26 then delivered heartfelt remarks to her classmates.
“I hope you recognize the profound privilege that awaits you as you step into your next chapter.” — Adama Aja ’26
“I hope you recognize the profound privilege that awaits you as you step into your next chapter. In your newfound identity as doctors, you will encounter people who have never met you, but who will place their deepest trust in you. They will reach for your hand in their darkest moments. You will guide them through a devastating diagnosis. You will bring new life into this world. You will perform surgeries that give someone the ability to walk again, to breathe again, to live again,” she said.
The Larner College of Medicine’s Class of 2026
The Class of 2026 arrived at medical school during a time of profound uncertainty, stepping into their training with resilience, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to service. Through changing public‑health landscapes, evolving systems of care, and the everyday demands of becoming a physician, they demonstrated adaptability, empathy, and intellectual rigor that have come to define their identity.
“Whether through scholarly discovery, leadership in student organizations, dedication to patient care, or their efforts to improve the well-being of peers, this class has consistently raised the bar for what it means to be a physician-in-training,” said Christa Zehle, M.D.’99, senior associate dean for medical education and director for UVM health education.
“The supportive mentorship, undeniable resources, and amazing leadership at the Larner College of Medicine molded me into the person I am today.” — Richard Vuong ’26
Richard Vuong ’26, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, emphasized how well the Larner College of Medicine has prepared him for his residency in neurology at Emory University in Atlanta. “The supportive mentorship, undeniable resources, and amazing leadership at the Larner College of Medicine molded me into the person I am today. My heart will always belong to Larner, and I cannot think of a better place to support a warm environment for personal growth and belonging.”
For Julia Halvorson-Phelan ’26 of South Burlington and Ryan Trus ’26 of Charlotte, Match Day carries special meaning as they matched as a couple at University of Utah Health in Salt Lake City. The NRMP Couples Match lets applicants link their rank lists to secure residency positions in the same area. Halvorson-Phelan is pursuing obstetrics and gynecology, and Trus will enter general surgery. “Larner has given us the skills and confidence to thrive in diverse clinical environments, which was invaluable during couples matching as we applied broadly and could genuinely envision ourselves training across a wide range of programs,” they said.
Like many students at Match Day, Zoe Nicozisin ’26 of Newton, Massachusetts, expressed deep gratitude for her experience at the Larner College of Medicine. “It has been an honor to receive my education at Larner,” she said, offering particular thanks to the Department of Pediatrics for its role in her journey. Early in medical school, Nicozisin connected with faculty around her interest in combining academic and clinical medicine to serve children who are adopted or in foster care—an interest rooted in her own identity as an adoptee from Russia. With the support of pediatric faculty and attending physicians, she completed multiple scholarly projects in the field, shaping both her personal and professional goals including matching in pediatrics at Yale-New Haven Hospital. “The pediatric faculty at UVM have been exceptional role models, demonstrating professionalism and patient-centered care in all that they do.”
2026 Match Highlights – Larner College of Medicine
- Number of Larner Students Matched: 118
- Percentage of Students Participating in a Residency Matching Program Who Matched: 100%
- Number of Specialties: 18 (not including prelim Med, prelim Surg, or Transitional)
- Number of Institutions: 74
- Number Matched in Primary Care: 42
- Number Matched in Vermont: 8
According to the NRMP, the 2026 Main Residency Match® was the largest in the organization’s history, with over 53,000 applicants registered and more than 44,000 residency positions offered in over 6,800 program tracks across the United States.
