For Elisabeth Day, MD, a career in medicine was always about serving others. Through the U.S. Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program, she found an opportunity to combine her passion for patient care with a commitment to serving her country.
Her allegiance was recognized during the University of Missouri School of Medicine’s 2026 Honors & Awards Convocation, where she participated in a military promotion ceremony alongside fellow graduating student Lydiah Fridah Mpyisi, MD. With family and friends in attendance, Day was promoted to the rank of U.S. Air Force Captain.
Earlier this spring, Day received a match to the U.S. Air Force Wright-Patterson Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio. She will complete her residency with a specialty in psychiatry.
While completing her military duties for the U.S. Air Force, Day will also join civilian residents through a partnership with Wright State University. After finishing her residency, Day will be stationed at a military base in the U.S. or abroad and treat fellow service members and their families.
Day’s path to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base began when her and the class of 2026 pursued their coveted residency match. The process involved interviewing at a military base that possessed her residency specialty of interest. Day then ranked the residency programs similarly to the traditional match process. Based on the needs of the military each year, the limited number of selections per specialty are then made by military program directors.
Ahead of the traditional Mizzou School of Medicine Match Day ceremony in March, Day was among a handful of medical students who learned their residency match early. The news of receiving her personal match, as well as celebrating with her peers later in mid-Missouri is something she’ll never forget.
“I remember first getting an email from the Wright-Patterson Medical Center, followed by phone calls from the military program director and current residents,” said Day. “It was quite the memorable day. Then I later was fortunate to celebrate with others in Columbia. My classmates are so intelligent and talented. It was exciting to see where everyone matched.”
As Day reflects on her path through medical school, she credits the opportunities Mizzou offers its students and the daily interactions with faculty and staff.
“Looking back, I think the transition from pre-clinical medicine to clinical medicine was my favorite time at the Mizzou School of Medicine,” said Day. “After mostly book and lab learning the first two years, the final two years transitioned to patient-faced learning. I’m grateful for the bonds and close relationships I built with my class of 2026 peers during clinical rotations.”
“I also owe special thanks to Heather Miles, senior program manager of student support services, Dr. Laine Young Walker, chair of the Department of Psychiatry, and Dr. Kari Malwitz, assistant professor of Psychiatry, for their help and support throughout my medical school journey!”
