From the judges: This event stood out for how resilient they were in ensuring, despite the pandemic, that their students received a full experience for their match day. Pivoting in such a short time, and maximizing the resources they had, demonstrated ingenuity. The goals they set were measurable and achieved. The metrics demonstrate that the event had an impact on many and was executed well. This can certainly serve as a model for peer institutions in the "new normal."
Emory School of Medicine Virtual Match Day 2020
Category
Special Events > Event(s) on a Shoestring
Description
Gold
Institution: Emory University
Title of entry: Emory School of Medicine Virtual Match Day 2020
About this entry: In mid-March, at the start of the U.S. COVID-19 pandemic, graduating students at Emory University School of Medicine (SOM) were matched with medical residencies across the country. The traditional Match Day event, which normally takes place in the lobby of the SOM, with hundreds of faculty, family, friends and fellow students, was moved to a virtual event. The tearing open of envelopes was replaced by a video chat countdown and synchronized email that hit inboxes promptly at noon – starting hundreds of collective clicks and heartfelt video congratulations from faculty, staff, students, and residents captured on social media and multimedia platforms.