Match Day success stories from the past as well as new stories from this year’s Match.
MATCH 2023
I believe the hands on exposure I received during my medical school days will help me better assess my patients and sharpen my clinical decision skills.
Akbarali “Akbar” Nabi, Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: Physical Medicine & Rehab at the University of Utah
I only took COMLEX-USA. I believe the decision to take only COMLEX aligned best with my educational and career goals. I am happy to talk with any students who may have questions about that decision.
I believe my osteopathic training and skill set have prepared me to treat each patient as the whole, multidimensional person that they are. I am bringing with me to residency a patient-centered mindset and a pair of hands well trained in osteopathic manipulative medicine, which will allow me to identify the root cause of a patient’s concern and deliver high quality, personalized healthcare to them while conveying sincere empathy in both word and action.
Taking only COMLEX-USA was important for me as a proud osteopathic medical student because I wanted to take a test that would evaluate my osteopathic manipulative medicine knowledge so that it remains a core part of the medicine I study and practice. In an ever-changing medical landscape, I find it of the utmost importance that DOs continue to advance and value that which makes us uniquely valuable to our patients and the institutions in which we practice.
Osteopathic principles are not limited to the use of OMM. No, they are, in fact, much more foundational to the practice of medicine in that they bring to the forefront the necessity of treating the patient who has pathology rather than simply treating the pathology itself. Continuing to develop truly Osteopathic curriculums in medical schools and valuing/optimizing the ability of COMLEX-USA to assess a student’s understanding thereof is critical to the advancement of the Osteopathic profession.
Trent Griner, South Georgia Campus-Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: Family Medicine at Atrium Health Floyd Family Medicine Residency Program
My osteopathic training has taught me to see my patients as more than a disease process. To always have a mind of curiosity that strives to understand “why”. And to never stop showing kindness and compassion to every person I meet on this journey.
Abenaa Asare, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Virginia
Matched to: Psychiatry at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
Bailey Quinn, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine–New York
Matched to: Pediatrics at University of Connecticut
I think the osteopathic training I received at MSUCOM and the support I received from [the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons] (ACOS) especially helped me achieve my dream of being a heart surgeon. The personal support and encouragement I received from ACOS was invaluable, especially from Dr. Kristen Conrad-Schnetz and Dr. Tyler Wallen, both proud DOs, on how to thrive as an osteopathic student pursuing surgery.
My advice is to find a mentor and a sponsor, which are very different, that truly supports and understands their needs, and then to work really hard based on the feedback from those people. Don't be afraid to change course if something isn't working, but don't give up hope. It gets easier as you learn more about the process.
Zach Brennan, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: Integrated Cardiothoracic Surgery at Cedars-Sinai
Knowing that every person is a unit of body, mind, and spirit, I will strive to be as compassionate and comprehensive as possible in my approach to imaging. Also, we learned plenty of useful anatomic landmarks in OMM lab!
Akito Theodore Nicol, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine-Old Westbury
Matched to: Diagnostic Radiology at Arnot Ogden Medical Center
The most important lessons I will take into my residency training is the focus on the patient as a person and emphasis on a hands-on, patient-centric diagnosis and treatment approach. That is what it means to be an osteopathic physician.
Aaron Byczynski, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: Internal Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI
I was lucky enough to get 20 interviews. I chose FSU as my number 1 because of an amazing culture and camaraderie between the residents. I believe that going through an osteopathic training for me has really helped me better understand the pathophysiology and how an injury to one part of the body can have a downstream affect on a different part. Furthermore I love having an extra set of tools to treat patients through OMT. This will be super helpful for me as an Intern.
Aman Khurana, Lincoln Memorial University Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: Internal Medicine at Florida State University Sarasota Memorial Hospital
My osteopathic training prepared me immensely in being able to look at the whole body, the human condition, and the holistic lifestyle, which I hope to use in my career as a psychiatrist!
Devan Baijal, Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: Psychiatry at Atrium Health-Carolinas Medical Center
As a former collegiate athlete, I longed to replicate the team environment, adrenaline, and camaraderie that I miss so much about competing. Emergency Medicine is perfect for this desire. I am so appreciative of the education I received at PCOM South Georgia. My training in osteopathic medical education prepared me with a sound foundation in anatomy and “hands-on” experience that is crucial to treating patients in the ER. Furthermore, I applied with COMLEX only! Proud to be a DO and excited for the challenge ahead!
William Brewster, South Georgia Campus-Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: Emergency Medicine at University of Kentucky Medical Center
It is possible to match with only COMLEX. I had plenty of interviews despite a lackluster score. I also knew my strengths and standardized exams are not one of them so I did not attempt USMLE. Emergency Medicine is one of the more DO friendly specialties and COMLEX is acceptable for the vast majority.
That being said, I am glad I only took COMLEX and would not have changed things.
I believe my osteopathic training will be an asset as a resident and attending physician because we are trained to see things differently. We go beyond what is directly in front of us. I have used my OMT with patients while on rotation and several patients have felt immediate relief to some degree. Patients will receive hands on care and my training will be useful in so many cases
Kevin Cabrera, Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Matched to: Emergency Medicine at Kaiser San Diego
It's amazing to see fellow osteopathic physicians serving alongside our MD colleagues in the military healthcare system. When I was at William Beaumont last summer, I met residents who had graduated from LECOM, TCOM, ATSU-KCOM, PNWU, and others. They worked side by side with MDs to provide care for active-duty and retirees. We were able to share our osteopathic knowledge to help patients on the wards and enrich our coresidents who may not have had prior exposure to osteopathic medicine. These techniques provided additional treatment modalities and helped us provide holistic, patient-centered care.
Ezra Yu, A.T. Still University–School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
Matched to: Internal Medicine at William Beaumont Army Medical Center
My osteopathic training emphasized treating patients holistically which has always been in line with how I envisioned myself as a future physician. Looking at a patient from every angle, for example paying attention to social determinants of health is super important to me because I am a Bronx, NY native who saw these determinants affect so many people I knew personally! I truly love “the mind, body, spirit” tenet and it ties so well into Psychiatry because the mind is so incredibly important to keep healthy! The fact that I will be going into residency with this mindset will reflect strongly in my patient interactions, how I communicate, and assist my overall passion of wanting to make a difference for people in the community as well as disadvantaged populations.
I only took COMLEX-USA. The main thing for me was financial reasons. These exams are so expensive and I just didn’t have the finances to pay for another board exam so I worked on strengthening myself in other areas in case there was any doubt from people looking at my app on not taking both exams. I was also fortunate enough to know an alumni from my school who matched into Psychiatry and she only took COMLEX so I knew it could be done!
Kiyana Harris, MS, Georgia Campus–Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: Psychiatry at the Morehouse School of Medicine
I think my osteopathic training will be extremely beneficial to me in the future as an aspiring sports medicine physician. I believe that my training in various OMT techniques and my extensive knowledge of the musculoskeletal system that I gained in osteopathic medical school will give me a great advantage when practicing sports medicine.
Hailey Chapin, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: Family Medicine
My education at Pikeville taught me to approach each patient in a holistic manner and treat the person rather than their symptoms. The hands on training I received will help me become a better physician, promote healing and restore mobility.
Morgan Turnow, University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: Orthopedic Surgery at Ohio Health - Doctors Hospital in Columbus, OH
My osteopathic training has taught me to take a more holistic approach to taking care of patients. I feel more confident in my ability to consider alternative or more conservative options before jumping to surgery or medications. Additionally, coming to a MD-heavy program, I hope to be able to share some of my osteopathic skills and knowledge with my co-residents.
Nancy Couturier, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: Pediatrics at University of Michigan
Studying osteopathic medicine has provided me an additional way to connect with and care for patients. I look forward to using my osteopathic skills to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of various ailments.
Rachel Fletcher-Slater, Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: Pediatrics at Brown/Hasbro Children’s
Osteopathic training encompasses a well-rounded approach to medical care that has shown me to always see the patient for who they are beyond their symptoms. The osteopathic lens taught me to recognize that symptoms do not necessarily happen in isolation and encouraged me to adopt a multidisciplinary approach to tackle a condition at its roots. I believe these qualities will allow me to provide a high level of patient care that makes them feel seen and cared for!
Rohan Yarlagadda, Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: Adult Neurology at Georgetown
I only took COMLEX. My training will allow me to treat everyone and provide holistic care to my patients and community. I am confident PCOM-GA prepared me to be successful in residency and my future career
Setu Patel, Georgia Campus-Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: Family Medicine at Wellstar Kennestone Medical Center in Marietta, GA
With an emphasis on whole person healthcare, my osteopathic training will help me see the patient beyond just their signs and symptoms.
Stefanie Worwa, A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: Internal Medicine
I think my osteopathic training showed me how important it is to treat patients as people. I also feel as if our OMM hands perform physical exams second to none, and I have received complements reflecting that. We have a unique skill set that I am very excited to offer!
Zachary Bloom, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: Family Medicine at Rutgers RWJ Residency at CentraState
I am eternally grateful for my institution’s phenomenal faculty/staff and my amazing mentors. I feel confident that my years of osteopathic medical training have endowed me with the tools needed to not only take on complex medical cases but also render humanistic care.
Odolphe Augustin, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine-Middletown
Matched to: Internal Medicine (Primary Care) at Johns Hopkins - Bayview
I will be successful in residency because I have and will continue to utilize the osteopathic philosophy/tenets when treating my patients.
Nikoleta Golemi, University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: General Surgery
I only took COMLEX-USA for Level 1 and 2-CE. I chose an osteopathic education because of my passion for primary care. Before medical school, I shadowed a phenomenal DO (Dr. Tricia Hall - neuromusculoskeletal medicine/FM) and I was amazed at how she could address pain and patient concerns with her hands. Through residency training, I hope to continue building my skills so that I can serve my patients in this way.
Logan Lawson, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: Family Medicine
MATCH 2022
MATCH 2022
MATCH 2021
MATCH 2021
I matched Emergency Medicine at The Ohio State University and could not be more excited to have years of hard work culminate in this achievement. I hope my fellow DO students always remember that they are amazing, smart, and capable of anything they set their mind to!
Melinda Kizziah, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Emergency Medicine at The Ohio State University
I matched at my #1 UAMS South Central! God’s plan never fails! I am beyond grateful! I get to serve my home! The very place I was born, where it all began for me, Pine Bluff, AR. I am overwhelmed and honored to serve my hometown. I promise to do my best to make everyone DO proud!
Asia Colen, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
Family Medicine at UAMS South Central
I'm so thrilled to have matched in Emergency Medicine at Trident Medical Center in Charleston, SC! Participating in the 2020-2021 Match cycle presented many unique challenges to an already stressful process. I'm extremely thankful to have my advisors and mentors by my side from audition rotations, to navigating applications, and troubleshooting virtual interviews! Onto the next big adventure!
Andriana Saric, Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Emergency Medicine at Trident Medical Center
As a DO physician and future Physiatrist, I recognize the holistic approach plays a pivotal role in patient care, especially in the world of PM&R. Often times it’s the emotional and or psychosocial components of an individual that contributes and or worsens the physical ailments and vice versa. My osteopathic education has given me this perspective to help improve my patient’s quality of life and be at their best!
Evan Arbit, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Rush Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Don't discount yourself from applying to programs even if they have only a few DO residents! You've worked hard and put in the work; you are equally as qualified as our MD counterparts. Show them what you've got!
Alyka Glor Fernandez, Kansas City University
Emergency Medicine at Emory University
When there's a passion, there's a way. I am so incredibly honored and humbled to be the 1st PCOM student to match into cardiothoracic surgery, the only DO student to match into cardiothoracic surgery this year, and the 1st DO to match at the University of Michigan CT Surgery. I can't wait to apply my osteopathic medical training to treat patients holistically within the field of cardiothoracic surgery!
Chi Chi Do-Nguyen, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Michigan
MATCH 2020
MATCH 2020
My Osteopathic education prepared me so well for a residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. I could not be more grateful for my school and the physicians who mentored me along the way.
Nicolet Finger, UNTHSC-TCOM
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UT Health San Antonio
The road to get here was surely a rough one, but nothing worth doing in life is meant to be easy. At the end of the day I had faith that my perseverance through the hard times would pay off, and today I found out that they did! To all the future physicians out there, NEVER GIVE UP. The world needs your healing.
Brynne Hunt, WCUCOM
Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel-Newark
I matched to my number one spot! I’ll be a family medicine resident at Saint Joseph Health System in Mishawaka, Indiana. I am so blessed to be able to be a DO and serve the community that raised me! Here is a picture of my cat and me celebrating during quarantine lol. We had a dance party!
Jess Williams, KCOM
Family Medicine at Saint Joseph Health System
I am so grateful to have trained to become an osteopathic physician. I matched into my number one choice for residency in internal medicine! Thankful for all my friends I made along the way and the physicians who mentored me!
Jacob Baer, KCU-COM
Internal Medicine at University of Kansas
I am able to fulfill my dream of being an emergency medicine physician! I am thankful to my school for all the opportunities afforded to me and the people in my life for support! Looking forward to being a DO in the emergency department.
Michael Skaletsky, MU-COM
Emergency Medicine at Doctors Hospital Columbus, OH
With all the craziness that is going on right now, it was great to see how everyone rallied together to celebrate match day virtually. We have all worked so hard to get to this point and I love seeing all of our dreams become a reality.
Amber Hartman, KYCOM
Pediatrics at SIU - Springfield, IL
At Cook County Hospital there’s a plaque that says: 'One doesn’t ask of one who suffers, what is your country and what is your religion? One merely says you suffer. This is enough for me. You belong to me and I shall help you. - Louis Pasteur' This philosophy aligns perfectly with the values we learn at CCOM. Proud to be a part of #DoctorsthatDo and match at my top choice!
Palak Patel, CCOM
Internal Medicine at Cook County
My DO medical education introduced me to mentors, clinical experiences, and a revitalized passion to assist struggling rural locales like my own hometown. I am over the moon about matching into my top choice in family medicine at at NH-Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency in Concord, NH, which offers a rural track that I will carry with me for the entirety of my career in rural family medicine.
Clare O'Grady, NYIT-COM
NH-Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency
My osteopathic medical education provides a unique vantage point into mental health treatment. Residency program leadership also saw this as a valuable asset when assembling their incoming intern class. I am proud to be a DO and will utilize my experiences as a future research psychiatrist!
Grace Sydney Pham, UNTHSC-TCOM
Psychiatry/Research at Baylor College of Medicine
I am beyond thrilled to have matched into Internal Medicine and cannot wait to begin my career as a doctor! The knowledge gained, the experiences lived, and the relationships formed throughout medical school will stick with me as I continue to grow as a physician. To all of my 2020 peers, we made it!
Maxwell Horowitz, TouroCOM NY
Internal Medicine at Mt. Sinai Icahn SOM St. Luke's-West
I could not have picked a better medical school to grow and mature into a young doctor. I am thrilled to have matched into an OB/GYN residency at my top program, St. Luke's University Health Network. I look forward to continuing to pave the way for other DOs!
Kathleen Ackert, PCOM
OB/GYN at St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem
I think the key to getting a good residency is to go and audition at that location. If you can show programs a good work ethic, coupled with your unique osteopathic education, you might be surprised at how many doors can open up for you.
Phillip Bennett, RVU-COM
Pathology AP/CP at the University of Utah
Matching into my top choice residency is a dream come true! I am incredibly grateful for my medical school peers and physician mentors for helping me build self-confidence and supporting my intellectual, personal, and professional growth throughout this journey.
Priya Shah, CCOM
Emergency Medicine at Duke University
I have loved every moment of this crazy journey through medical school, and I am eager to use the knowledge I have gained as an osteopathic medical student. A quote I once heard was "if you work hard, you'll get lucky" and I am so lucky to have found a place among the amazing physicians who work in Family Medicine. I can definitely say they are my people! I matched at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio and I can't wait to begin the next 3 years of training.
Megan Miller
Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Family Medicine at Wright State University
Beyond excited to match at Detroit Receiving for Emergency Medicine. I am extremely excited to be a DO in the Emergency Department.
Rajiv Varandani, CCOM
Emergency Medicine at Detroit Receiving
Attending an osteopathic medical school has equipped me with a unique skill set and has provided a one of a kind training experience that will be invaluable to my future role as a physician. The journey was challenging, but with faith, dedication, and support, I made it through! Always remember, your darkest and most difficult moments are never wasted; they simply prepare you for your destiny. I cannot wait to apply all that I have learned to serve and make a positive impact on my patients- the osteopathic way
Anna-Kaye Brown, RowanSOM
Anesthesiology at Temple University Hospital
Incredibly humbled to be the only DO this year to match in Cardiothoracic Surgery I6. Prior to medical school, I worked as an LPN in Cardiac Surgery for 5 years ,while taking night classes dreaming of this day. Thank you very much to the AOA, AACOM, NBOME and WVSOM for all your support and giving this nurse an opportunity to realize his dreams
Jason Gilbert, WVSOM
University of Kentucky in Cardiothoracic Surgery
MATCH 2019
MATCH 2019
Don't think of time spent studying for COMLEX-USA and COMAT exams as time lost. It's an investment in your future career and in your ability to match into your specialty of choice.
Jason Rodriguez, DO
Kettering Health Grandview Medical Center, Anesthesiology
Match can be intimidating, but being an active learner through research, conferences, volunteering, and working hard in preparing for COMLEX-USA, truly pays off. I matched into my #1 choice!
Alexandra Digenakis, DO
University of North Carolina, Emergency Medicine
Medical school and residency applications can cause you to doubt your abilities. Remember that hard work pays off. Have faith in your abilities and push through. You are amazing and can achieve your dreams.
Parth Gandhi, DO
Delaware Christiana Care Health System, Combined Emergency Medicine/Internal Medicine
I matched into my #1 choice! Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take advantage of new opportunities. Medical school is a time for personal and professional growth, and while grades are important, programs pay attention to other things too.
Jordan Hauck, DO
Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliate Hospitals, Obstetrics and Gynecology
I was able to match into my #1 program! I'm thrilled to be joining the Georgetown team and pursuing diagnostic radiology in Washington DC!
Matthew Bourne, DO
Georgetown University, Diagnostic Radiology
Work hard to shine during your sub-internships and interviews, but most importantly, be kind, positive, and a team player.
Pauline Terbio, DO
University of Nevada Las Vegas, Emergency Medicine
When it comes to residency, the most important thing is to find the right fit for you. Something I considered important was finding a place where I would be happy training. I found some programs more welcoming than others, and I loved the one I ended up in!
Tiffany Sinclair, DO
Franciscan Health Olympia Fields, General Surgery
Put 100% into everything you DO, and it will pay off. Studying hard and surrounding yourself with friends and family that support you is key -- and got me where I am today.
Khadija Farooq, DO
Presence St. Joseph Hospital, Family Medicine
I matched into my #1 choice! I was searching for a program that allowed me to incorporate my love for public health and community health. This one had it all!
Khyrista Valentine, DO
Authority Health Residency Program, Pediatrics
As DOs, we think holistically. As residency candidates, we have to be the same. Be well-rounded on every part of your application: COMLEX-USA, extra-curriculars, volunteer experience, and who you are as a person.
Kayla Prokopakis, DO
St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center, Emergency Medicine
I wanted to be somewhere that allowed me to help the community, and would also make me the best doctor I could be. All my dreams came true and I matched at my #1 choice!
Hajiraj Ishaq, DO
Doctor's Hospital Ohio Health, Emergency Medicine
My fiance and I were both going for the same specialty in the same year. We couples-matched in pediatrics and will move from being classmates to being co-interns. All of my hard work was worth it!
Este Marks, DO
Oklahoma State University, Pediatrics
I'm very proud of my osteopathic medical training and COMLEX-USA best reflects this. It was important to me to find a program that valued my osteopathic roots as much as I do.
Victoria Starr, DO
Beaumont Hospital Obstetrics & Gynecology
Keep your mind open and trust the process. You might be surprised sometimes what you want initially changes when you stay open to possibilities and explore new things.
Joseph Schreiner, DO
Jefferson Health New Jersey Emergency Medicine
