Match Day is a significant milestone for graduating medical students, marking the culmination of their years of hard work and perseverance. On March 21, 2025, students from the University of Pennsylvania gathered to discover where they would begin their medical residencies, an essential step in their training.

The Excitement of Match Day

“We are officially excited to welcome you to Match Day 2025,” stated Dr. DaCarla Albright, associate dean for Student Affairs and Wellness at the Perelman School of Medicine. This sentiment encapsulated the atmosphere as students eagerly awaited the moment of truth.

Sydney Chambule, a medical student at Penn, shared his elation with the gathered crowd. “My experience here has been amazing,” he said, highlighting the impact of his education and the support he received during his time at the institution.

From Mozambique to Medical Residency

Chambule’s journey to this moment is particularly inspiring. Coming from Mozambique, where he encountered significant deficiencies in the medical system, he received a full scholarship to attend Penn. His ambition to improve healthcare in his community drives his goal of becoming a skilled surgeon.

“I hope to be able to become a great surgeon and to find ways to do global health initiatives that will also help my community back home,” Chambule expressed, revealing his dedication to fostering change.

His desire to specialize in urology was sparked by personal loss, as his father succumbed to prostate cancer. “I saw that what he was experiencing wasn’t unique to him,” Chambule recalled, acknowledging the widespread need for better urological care in his homeland.

The Big Reveal

As the moment arrived and students clutched their sealed envelopes, the anticipation was palpable. Dr. Susan Rose, senior vice dean for Medical Education at the Perelman School of Medicine, praised the graduates: “I have witnessed firsthand your compassion, your dedication, and the profound empathy that will define you as physicians.”

For Chambule, the news was especially gratifying; he will be continuing his journey at Penn as a medical resident. This decision solidifies his connection to the school that has significantly shaped his professional growth.

“So many years of work, of dedication, I’ve been away from my family for 10 years now and to finally have this moment be a culmination of all those years… I’m ecstatic,” he shared. “It’s perfect. I really wanted to stay here and I’m happy I did.” Chambule is among 37 classmates who will also remain within the Penn residency system.