Newswise — Match Day is the most anticipated day of the year for graduating students at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine as they learn where they will do their hospital residencies and take their next step in their careers.

The event will take place from 10:30 a.m. to noon, on Friday, March 21. At 10:35 a.m., Dean Linda Brubaker will address the packed atrium at Stritch. There also is the strong possibility of a surprise flash mob.

The excitement climaxes at 11 a.m. when sealed envelopes containing the students’ next destinations are handed out. With the nervous suspense of the Oscars, at 11 a.m., students will be directed to five tables on which will be placed the envelopes. Inside will be the names of the medical institutions that will become their homes for the next several years. Some students will get their top choices and be elated. Others will be disappointed. There will be screams, kisses, hugs, joyful shouts and tears from the students, their families and loved ones.

Students available for interviews: Vanessa Alonso. A first-generation permanent U.S. resident, born in Colombia, she moved here with her mom when she was 12 and has dual citizenships. Now she is pursuing a career in primary care, adult internal medicine.

“We came to this country with nothing, but I am where I am because of the hard work, love and dedication of my mother. She taught me to follow my dreams and thanks to her and Stritch that’s what I’m doing,” says Alonso.

George Hoganson. A medical student working toward his second career, while raising three children ages 2, 4 and 6 with the support of his wife, Hoganson says his interest in medicine came to fruition after his first career as a Alzheimer’s researcher. The LaGrange resident sees his shift to pediatric neurology as the right move, personally and professionally.

“Working with the older adults in my research I realized what and honor it was to help someone as they progressed through their illness. Health is so much more than just a physical disease or ailment, it is multidimensional and I knew that I wanted to be a part of that,” says Hoganson.

WHEN: Friday, March 21, 2014 10:30am - Noon

WHERE: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine 2160 S. First Ave. Maywood, IL 60153

MEDIA: SSOM is a closed campus. Media interested in attending are asked to contact Evie Polsley at [email protected] or call (708) 417-5100.###