On Match Day 2025 in Peoria, dozens of new doctors get their residency assignments

PEORIA (25News Now) -Students who have completed medical school at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria were excited to learn their residency assignments.

It was Match Day 2025 on Friday in which new doctors gathered at the Warehouse on State to find out their next steps as caregivers.

Kylee Andrew-Drake learned he will be practicing pediatrics at the Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.

Her newlywed husband, Brett Drake, matched at the University of Cincinnati practicing orthopedic surgery, only an hour away from one another.

This is what the couple said they’re looking forward to the most.

“I think just helping patients the way I’ve always wanted to, getting them back to what they want to do,” said Brett. “Just getting to help families through the first few years of life with their kids means a lot to me,” said Kylee.

Richard Guingrich is a Peoria native and was thrilled to be matched back in his hometown at the College of Medicine.

He comes from a family of doctors, and he can’t wait to serve his community.

“It has come with its challenges, and it’s a very long process so getting to match day feels like a great culmination of everything that’s happened,” said Guingrich.

Zaphrirah Chin is another new resident who’s practicing pediatrics at the University of Rochester-Strong Memorial Hospital. She said her goal is for her patients to have great health literacy and feel empowered.

“The journey has been hard, but it’s rewarding,” she said. “If there’s anyone who wants to go into medicine, don’t let the amount of years and hard work deter you because anything you want to pursue requires hard work.”

About 50 new residents were matched to their assignments across the nation.

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