WesternU COMP-Northwest Class of 2026 Celebrates Achievement During Emotional Match Day Ceremony

Celebrating a Major Milestone: COMP-Northwest's Match Day 2026

On March 20, 2026, the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest (COMP-Northwest) at Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) celebrated a pivotal moment for its Class of 2026—Match Day. This significant event marked the culmination of years of rigorous study, emotional trials, and dedication as students opened their letters revealing their residency placements. Impressively, the school boasted a 99% placement rate, with half of its graduates entering primary care specialties.

Match Day is a critical milestone in the journey of medical students, orchestrated by the National Resident Matching Program. The process pairs aspiring doctors with residency programs through a sophisticated algorithm that takes into account the preferences of both applicants and programs. As the clock struck noon nationwide, students simultaneously tore into their sealed envelopes, unveiling the next chapter in their medical careers.

Dr. Heather Phipps, Site Dean at COMP-Northwest, spoke passionately to the students, emphasizing the depth of their journey. "Today marks a significant milestone on your path toward becoming a physician," Dr. Phipps stated. "Your resilience, hard work, and unwavering commitment to medicine have led you to this moment. Whether you are entering surgery, family medicine, or any other field, remember that each specialty requires courage, humility, and compassion."

The importance of experiences amassed during the students' third and fourth years cannot be overstated. Many had the opportunity to complete rotations or sub-internships at clinical sites before securing residency placements. For example, Luke Arsenault, who matched in internal medicine at Samaritan Health Services in Corvallis, Oregon, credited his exposure to these locations for his successful match. "Doing rotations at these sites allowed me to build relationships and understand the culture of the programs," Arsenault explained.

For Kiana Fincher, balancing medical school with her responsibilities as a mother of three was a true community effort. She highlighted the support system she received from her husband and fellow classmates as essential to her success. "We formed a strong community, growing from three children among us to nine in just a few years. WesternU was close to our family, and it was important for me to have that support system while pursuing a DO education focused on rural family medicine," Kiana shared. Fincher expressed her excitement at receiving her matching letter, which indicated that she would be completing her residency at Oregon Health & Science University in Klamath Falls, close to her hometown.

Katelyn Williamson, another dedicated student, engaged in community service throughout her medical education. After attending a Fire Academy early in her studies, she became a volunteer firefighter for the Lebanon Fire District. Williamson recounted how she transitioned into a supportive role, providing emotional aid and necessary supplies to active firefighters on the scene. "I have always wanted to help people, and this experience has been one of the most rewarding of my life," said Williamson, who matched in general surgery at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Moreover, Williamson partnered with classmate Natalija Stern to plan the Match Day celebration. The event was designed to encapsulate their shared experiences, especially considering the unique challenges they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Starting our medical education amidst COVID created an inherent distance, but as we transitioned out of it, we wanted to celebrate our medical journey and restore the connections we missed," Stern explained.

Ultimately, Match Day not only symbolizes an ending for the COMP-Northwest Class of 2026 but also marks the beginning of their respective paths as future physicians. As they secure their residency positions, each graduate carries with them the experiences, struggles, and profound sense of community fostered at WesternU.