As Match Day 2026 comes to an end, Doctor of Pharmacy students celebrate their successful residency placements at healthcare institutions nationwide. This year, 69 students at the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy found their match across 21 states.

Match Day 2026 Results

The effort behind securing these placements begins well before the pivotal third week of March. In the fall of their fourth year, students start applying to residency programs, embarking on months of interviews with program directors, faculty members, and residents. Throughout this process, they benefit from the Residency-Fellowship Preparation Program, led by Amy Kennedy, PharmD, an associate clinical professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science and a practicing clinical pharmacist.

This program offers a series of sessions led by faculty, preceptors, and both current and former residents, covering key aspects of the residency and fellowship application journey. Topics include selecting programs, preparing application materials, and developing strong interview skills. In addition, each student is paired with a faculty member or preceptor mentor who provides individualized guidance on application strategy, program selection, candidacy, and interview preparation.

“It is a privilege to chair the RF prep committee now in its 14th year. The goal of the program is to pair students with mentors consisting of faculty, clinical partners and alumni to provide students with guidance for completing the residency and fellowship application process. We are elated that our students have been matched with such varied residencies and fellowships throughout the country and we look forward to their contributions to our profession,” says Kennedy.

Participants in the program continue to achieve strong, consistent outcomes. While PGY1 students have greater flexibility in exploring their interests, it is during PGY2 that they commit to residency programs aligned with a specific specialty, such as emergency medicine, oncology, or pediatrics. In early March, students rank their preferred programs and submit their selections to National Matching Services. It is not until Match Day that PharmCATS discover whether they have secured residency positions, whether locally, nationally, or even internationally.

Student Match Spotlight: Jerred Azares

Jerred Azares is a fourth-year pharmacy student at the University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy who recently matched with Banner University Medical Center Tucson for a PGY1 pharmacy residency. Born and raised in Tucson, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Arizona before pursuing his PharmD with a focus on pediatric pharmacy, acute care, and academia. He is excited about the opportunity to continue learning while giving back and serving the community that has supported him. “I couldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for the unwavering support of the faculty, mentors, preceptors, friends, family, and my fiancé! I am incredibly grateful for the people who have invested in my growth, and I am excited to continue this journey into residency!”

Q&A

What inspired you to pursue a career in pharmacy?

From a young age, I was exposed to service through my family. I have strong memories of going with my dad to collect day-old bread from local grocery stores and delivering it to soup kitchens in our community, and volunteering at food bank events with my mom. That experience created a strong desire to serve others and make a meaningful impact any way I can. As I explored healthcare careers, I knew I wanted a path that combined science with direct patient care. My experiences coaching youth volleyball also sparked an appreciation for working with pediatric populations and supporting not just patients, but their families. Pharmacy ultimately felt like the right fit, allowing me to bring together my love of science while playing an active role in delivering patient-centered care.

What area of pharmacy practice are you most interested in, and why?

I am most interested in pediatric pharmacy practice. I am drawn to the opportunity to not only care for patients but also support and educate their caregivers by helping to bridge medical information into something understandable and actionable. Pediatric patients often rely on pharmacists to play a valuable role in ensuring safe and effective therapy.
 

Was the match process everything you expected?

Not at all. I initially thought pharmacy school would primarily focus on learning about medications and preparing to practice, but it became much more than that. It challenged me to grow both professionally and personally, and helped shape how I approach patient care, leadership, and teamwork.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in pharmacy school?

Find your “Why”. Whatever it may be! Having a clear sense of purpose helps keep you grounded, even when times are hard. At the same time, take advantage of every opportunity you can! Explore everything and be open to trying new things! It’s the perfect time to explore! Pharmacy school gave me a chance to grow into the person and future pharmacist I wanted to become.

What are you looking forward to most during your time as a resident?

I look forward to continuing to learn through hands-on patient care within an academic medical center. I am especially excited about the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment and further develop my clinical skills. I am also interested in academia, and Banner’s relationship with the College of Pharmacy provides a unique opportunity to explore teaching, mentorship, and precepting as part of my professional development.

What interested you in this residency?

Being at an academic medical center, it provides a wide range of unique patient cases and experiences. Also, having a children’s hospital and a relationship with the UA College of Pharmacy aligned well with my interests. In addition, after meeting the preceptors and program directors, it was clear that they had a strong culture of teaching, mentorship, and support. That combination made it the ideal place for me to continue growing. 

Congratulations to all our fourth-year PharmD students on another exciting Match Day! To see more student spotlights, visit our Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn profiles.

By: UA College of Pharmacy | May 5, 2026