Natalie Strand, M.D., anesthesiology, the keynote speaker at the Match Day event at the Arizona campus, described the event as a milestone transition — a threshold that students are stepping across from medical student to physician, researcher or educator. Dr. Strand is an alumnus of the medical school and Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education.

Abba Zubair, M.D., Ph.D., dean of Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in Jacksonville, Florida, shared three important skills that helped him throughout his journey in medicine.

"Self-enrichment, forward-thinking and engagement, these skill sets were crucial in helping me succeed during my residency and fellowship years," Dr. Zubair said. "Remember, you are the model for others to follow."

Jewel Kling, M.D., Suzanne Hanson Poole Vice Dean of Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in Arizona and dean of the Arizona campus, shared her excitement for what lay ahead for the graduates. 

"Enduring the challenges of medical training can yield some of the most profound experiences during one's medical career," Dr. King said. "My hope for you is that through all of the ups and downs, the idealism and optimism that you brought with you to Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine will remain alive and well. Whether your path leads you to patient care, research, education, or some other aspect of medicine, you will impact countless lives along the way."

Fredric Meyer, M.D., the Waugh Executive Dean of Education, shared closing words for the fourth-year medical students reiterated Mayo's values to guide them as they move forward, at Mayo Clinic and beyond. 

"As you embark on the next stage of your training, I want to remind you that you represent Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, and with that comes sharing your extraordinary medical school training with others, our Mayo Clinic Model of Care, and how you have thrived through medical school during a pandemic using proven resilience and wellbeing techniques that will support you throughout your career." 

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine students consistently match above the national rate with 97 percent NRMP placement rate, have a 100 percent USMLE Step 2 exam pass rate, and 94 percent are satisfied with their medical education at the top-rated national medical school, as reported by U.S. News and World Report "Best Medical Schools - Research."

Match Day 2025: Results