The Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2026 achieved a 99% match rate in the 2026 National Resident Matching Program, announced Friday, March 20. The accomplishment marks another milestone in DMU’s longstanding success in preparing future physicians.
The 2026 class matched into diverse specialties across the United States, with particularly strong representation in primary care fields, where demand is high. As the nation’s top producer of primary care physicians, DMU is helping address critical workforce shortages.
In addition, 30 students were matched to residency programs in Iowa, the top destination for the DMU 2026 class.
“Match Day marks a culmination of at least eight years of rigorous preparation, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to becoming a physician,” says David Connett, DO, FACOFP (dist.), dean of DMU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. “I want to congratulate all 196 of our students who matched. Your dedication, resilience and commitment to patient care have brought you to this moment.”
DMU’s Match Day was held in person for the second year at the university’s campus, where students, faculty and families gathered to celebrate. At 11 a.m., students opened their envelopes to learn where they will begin the next phase of their medical training.
“Residency is where knowledge turns into experience and where you will be challenged in ways that will surprise you. It’s also where patients will begin to know you as their doctor,” says Angela L. Walker Franklin, PhD, president and CEO of DMU. “We also celebrate the people who helped you get here. To the families, mentors and friends, your sacrifices, your patience and your belief in these students made this day possible.”
Among the students in DMU’s Class of 2026, the top residency specialty placements this year include:
- Family Medicine — 44
- Internal Medicine — 36
- Emergency Medicine — 32
- Pediatrics — 21
- Psychiatry — 14
Of the students matching in Iowa, the top residency specialty placements include:
- Internal Medicine — 9
- Family Medicine — 8
- Emergency Medicine — 6
- Psychiatry — 2
- Pediatrics — 2
- Transitional Year — 2
- Anesthesiology — 1
The other top states among the 33 states where their residencies are located include:
- Michigan — 20
- Wisconsin – 19
- Minnesota — 18
- Illinois — 15
- California — 8
- Ohio — 9
According to the National Resident Matching Program, this year’s match was the largest in the organization’s history, with over 53,000 applicants registered and more than 44,000 residency positions offered in over 6,800 program tracks across the United States.
The 2026 Match comes amid growing national demand for physicians, especially in rural and underserved communities. Through its strong emphasis on primary care and community-based training, DMU continues to prepare physicians to meet those needs across the country.
Visit dmu.edu/do to learn more about residency outcomes and osteopathic medical education at DMU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine.