You are likely reading this in April 2020. Compared to your experiences up to the release of the January 2020 edition, there have been many significant changes over the past few weeks and with more likely to come. With the gravity of battling a viral pandemic, COVID-19, it is understandable that the annual tradition of Match Day would have mattered most to those in its immediate orbit.

For those to whom Match Day 2020 played a role, congratulations! Congratulations especially to the Class of 2020 medical students (and residents) who matched into emergency medicine! We look forward to your contributions to our specialty and will share with you the tools needed to succeed and flourish within your new profession.

In years past, Match Day was filled with a sense of anxious excited tension, which was heightened by it taking place in a banquet room, auditorium or similar large space. Surrounded by your equally anxious and uncertain classmates, maybe even your family and friends, you opened the envelope that would shape your future. The rush of emotion, along with the shouts and cheers of celebration as you announce your Match location, is almost overwhelming. Match Day is the culmination of the many years of dedication and sacrifice you have made for your chosen profession and specialty. It is a Rite of Passage on the journey of medicine.

Unfortunately, the Class of 2020 did not have this experience. Due to the current pandemic of COVID-19, on Match Day 2020, our nation was in a state of social distancing to help curb the spread of the viral infection. Groups of no more than 10 persons and maintaining at least 6 feet of separation was the national guideline. Instead, the Class of 2020 opened an email/envelope with their Match results either individually or with a small group of family, friends and other classmates. Some schools were able to host smaller scale celebrations that adhered to the guidelines but overall, due to social distancing, the Class of 2020 was not able to partake in this tradition that we all hold so dear.

The changes associated with Match Day are only a few of the innumerable parts of our lives and experiences that have changed drastically in a very short period of time. We will all be affected by the rapid social changes enacted. As a practicing emergency physician, I can anticipate a few of the decisions we will need to make throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The toll of our actions and experiences as we work on the front lines to overcome this pandemic will be difficult to predict, but will likely be high. As we welcome the Class of 2020 into our ranks, let us also show them the importance of self-preservation. Let us share with and remind each other of the tools necessary to have a long and healthy career. Maybe on your next shift you can share these techniques with your partner, so that we can continue the fight, together.

Take care of yourselves, and each other. ■