The culmination of years of rigorous study and unwavering dedication arrived on March 20th for 25 students at NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, as they learned where they will continue their medical training during a nationwide event known as Match Day. The atmosphere in Mineola was charged with anticipation as aspiring physicians simultaneously opened envelopes revealing their residency placements – the next crucial step in their journey to becoming practicing doctors. This year’s 100% match rate continues a five-year streak for the innovative medical school.
For many, Match Day represents the realization of a lifelong dream. Nicole Bryce, 26, discovered her passion for pediatrics watching her mother run a day care center in Staten Island. “My mom had a natural gift with children—a trait I hope to emulate as a physician,” Bryce said, having secured a residency position at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island through the Education to Employment Pathway in Primary Care program. This program uniquely guarantees a primary care residency placement at the Mineola hospital for all students at NYU Grossman Long Island.
NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, established in 2019, is pioneering a new model for medical education. It’s the only school in the United States offering a three-year, tuition-free degree program specifically focused on training primary care physicians. This innovative approach directly addresses a critical need: the growing shortage of primary care doctors, particularly in underserved communities. The school’s mission is to equip graduates to deliver outstanding patient care and become leaders in local and national health systems.
Addressing the Primary Care Physician Shortage
The United States faces a significant and growing shortage of primary care physicians. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the demand for primary care services is projected to continue increasing as the population ages and more people gain health insurance coverage. This shortage can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and poorer health outcomes. NYU Grossman Long Island’s unique model is designed to counteract this trend by removing financial barriers to medical education and focusing specifically on primary care training.
“We are extremely proud of our soon-to-be graduates and hope they will become the next generation of physician leaders in primary care,” said Dean Gladys M. Ayala, MD, MPH. “Their dedication, compassion, and clinical expertise will be assets to each and every community they serve.” The school’s curriculum emphasizes hands-on clinical experience and community engagement, preparing students to address the complex healthcare needs of diverse populations.
Zvi Grossman, Nicole Bryce, and Delphina Maldonado are among the class of students who learned where they will train after graduation.
Beyond Bryce: Stories of Future Physicians
The Match Day celebration highlighted the diverse backgrounds and aspirations of the graduating class. Delphina Maldonado, 25, from Bronxville, comes from a family deeply rooted in medicine – her father is a vascular surgeon, her mother an obstetrician-gynecologist, her grandmother a practicing pathologist, and her grandfather a retired urologist. Inspired by her mother’s perform, Maldonado hopes to follow in her footsteps as an OB/GYN. Zvi Grossman, 26, from Woodmere, Long Island, was motivated by his father’s dedication as a primary care physician and the positive impact he had on their community. Grossman also matched to NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island through the Education to Employment Pathway in Primary Care program.
The National Residents Matching Program (NRMP) facilitates this complex process. Each year, medical students and residency programs across the country rank their preferences. A sophisticated algorithm then generates matches between the two, filling over 38,000 residency positions nationwide. The NRMP’s website provides detailed data and statistics on the annual match process.
A Strong Track Record and Future Outlook
NYU Grossman Long Island has maintained a perfect match rate for its graduating classes for the past five years, with 25 out of 25 students securing residency positions this year. A significant 52% (13 students) will continue their training within the NYU Langone Health system, with 10 specifically at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island. Notably, 76% (19 students) of the class matched to residency programs within New York State, and the majority are entering primary care specialties – family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and general surgery – aligning with the school’s core mission.
NYU Langone Health, the parent system of the Long Island school, consistently ranks among the nation’s top hospitals. Vizient Inc. has ranked NYU Langone No. 1 out of 118 comprehensive academic medical centers for four consecutive years, and U.S. News &. World Report has recognized four of its clinical specialties as No. 1 in the nation.
As the class of 2026 prepares to embark on the next chapter of their medical careers, their success underscores the effectiveness of NYU Grossman Long Island’s innovative approach to medical education. Graduation is scheduled for May, after which these future physicians will initiate their residency training, poised to address the critical need for primary care providers and improve healthcare access for communities across the country. The school will begin accepting applications for the next incoming class in the coming months.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about medical education and healthcare trends. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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