Genetics: Receptors Discovered that Direct Rod Cell Development Special Report: Visa Woes Threaten Conduct of Science Neurology: Mutation Suggests Novel Signaling Mechanism in Brain Development Metabolism Kinase Pathway Seen to Regulate Urge to Eat Medical Education Fourth-years Make Matches, Favor Internal Medicine, Pediatrics Doctors Struggle with Complex Issues When a Patient is Dying HMOs May Improve Diabetes Care by Providing Home Monitors   Proceedings of the HMS Faculty Council Projects in Epidemiology, Nutrition Take Prizes at HSPH Poster Day Rabkin Fellows Announced HMS Dean's Community Service Awards Deadline Extended In Memoriam: Wayne Streilein   Practice Principles Have to Stand on Actual Data   Medical Records Hit Slow Going from Paper Trail to Digital Highway   Front Page

MEDICAL EDUCATION Fourth-years Make Matches, Favor Internal Medicine, Pediatrics The 52nd annual Match Day was held on March 18, revealing to HMS fourth-years and nearly 20,000 medical students across the country where they will be spending their residencies. Ninety-four percent of this year's graduating class chose to pursue clinical programs, with internal medicine as the most popular specialty (23 percent). Just over half of the fourth-years will remain in Massachusetts (52 percent), and 94 percent of these will be at HMS-affiliated hospitals. The next most popular destinations drew a combined third of the class, with California at 21 percent and New York at 12 percent. Compared to last year's HMS fourth-years, dermatology, general surgery, and radiology saw slight decreases, while ophthalmology, pediatrics, and radiation oncology gained. At 12 percent, pediatrics was second to internal medicine as the most popular specialty, followed by radiology at 8 percent and ophthalmology and emergency medicine, both at 7 percent. Nationwide, the National Resident Matching Program shows a continued increase in pathology matches, which have nearly doubled since 2000. This year also saw the highest number of couples matches in Match Day history, with more than 600 couples taking part. Above, Brian Turner (center) celebrates with Ngoc Phan. (Photo by Liza Green, HMS Media Services)