75°
73º | 92°
76° | 91°
Medical students at the University of Houston's Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine recently celebrated their own version of March Madness known as Match Day. This event marks a significant milestone for the graduating students as they discover where they will spend their residencies.
According to Dr. Stephen Spann, founding dean of the Fertitta Family College of Medicine, Match Day represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication by the students. He expressed pride in their accomplishments and wished them success in their future endeavors.
Dr. Kristin Kassaw, assistant dean of student affairs, highlighted the importance of this year's Match Day for the college's inaugural class. She emphasized the transition from medical school to medical practice, stating that the event symbolizes a significant step towards becoming healthcare providers who will make a difference in society.
This year, all 22 students in the Fertitta Family College of Medicine's first class successfully matched with residency programs, including Jalyce Taylor who shared her excitement about matching with the pediatrics program at the U.S. Navy Medical Center in Virginia. Taylor expressed gratitude for the support she received and her eagerness to continue her family's legacy of serving in the military.
Reflecting on the journey of the first class, Dr. Kassaw commended the students for their growth and evolution over the past four years. She noted that they have transformed from individuals with a promise of compassionate care to becoming the future of healthcare.
Brittanie Cockrell, who matched with the pediatrics program at Baylor College of Medicine, emphasized the importance of UH's mission to improve healthcare in underserved communities. She recognized the privilege and responsibility of joining a small percentage of Black physicians in serving vulnerable populations.
Sarah Snyder and Anthony Carona, who will do their residencies in Detroit and Temple, Texas, respectively, praised their experiences as part of the inaugural class. Snyder expressed pride in their collective achievements and believed that the school will produce future trailblazers in healthcare. Carona, a husband and father, underscored the significance of Match Day for his family as they plan the next four years together.
As the Fertitta Family College of Medicine's first class prepares to graduate in May, Match Day serves as a moment of celebration and reflection for the students as they look back on their transformative medical school journey.