Match Week for students enrolled in a medical college is a moment that is equal to or greater than graduation day!  Match Week occurs the third week in March. It is the period of time beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET on Monday and ending at 1:00 p.m. ET on Friday when applicants and programs learn the results of the Match. The National Resident Matching Program or NRMP releases results to applicants seeking residency and fellowship training positions in the United States. 

We partnered with 2019 Class President, Carina Felix, of Howard University College of Medicine, to create a  gala celebration that evoked serendipity and surprise for this graduating class on the eve of Match Week.  The theme for the occasion was “Beautiful Beginnings”.   The celebration was located at Georgetown University Hotel & Conference Center; a premiere event location for the academic and medical community. 

In creating the design for the gala, I concentrated on the journey of the students and who they aspire to be in the medical community.  Guests were greeted as they entered the room with a “Numbing Station”….prescription bottles I created that were used as escort cards; inside were skittles – “a Skittle a day helps to keep the doctor away”.  The “Numbing Station” was adorned with medical containers, pens that were needle syringes, stethoscopes, blood pressure devices, etc.  The room was dressed in all white with green and black accent colors.  Floral greenery with a gold caduceus in the middle surrounded by gold letters to represent Howard University.  The menu cards were inspired by a doctor’s prescription pad with medical terminology to describe the evening’s dinner menu.  The dessert station (“Sweet Recovery Station”) also incorporated the medical journey for the students.  Working with our event partners, Sugar Tables, we incorporated in the design the school’s class monogram and intimate school details.

The night was complete with elements of surprise not only for the students but also for the faculty leadership of the program; Dr. Debra Ford (Dean of Academic Affairs), Dr. Hugh Mighty (Dean College of Medicine & Vice President Clinical Affairs), Dr. David Rose (Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Admissions Office of Student Affairs and Admissions), Dr. Lekidelu Taddesse-Heath (Assistant Dean for Assessment and Accreditation).

We enjoyed coming back again and working with Carina, and we can’t wait to see the future endeavors of her medical career and those of the other students.

Event Partners:

Planning & Design – Perfect Planning Events • Location & Catering – Georgetown University Hotel & Conference Center • Photography – Capture Photojournalist • Florals – BCG Events • Linens/Chargers/Chairs – DC Rental • Deejay – DJ Nani • Photo Booth & Lighting – Chris Styles Events • Draping – Dan Goldman Events • Dessert Station – Sugar Tables • Menus/Tables Numbers/Signage/Escort Cards – Perfect Planning Events.