Medical students at FSU College of Medicine celebrate a life-changing match day experience
Florida – For medical students across the nation, Match Day represents the culmination of years of intense study, long nights, and unwavering dedication. At the Florida State University (FSU) College of Medicine, the excitement was palpable as students gathered in anticipation of discovering their residency placements. The event, held annually on the third Friday of March, marks a defining moment in the lives of future physicians, and this year was no exception.
Among the eager participants were Amanda and Tamara Raymond, twin sisters from Loxahatchee who have been inseparable throughout their medical journey. From their time as undergraduates at the University of Florida to their admission into FSU’s Bridge to Clinical Medicine master’s program and eventual acceptance into the M.D. Class of 2025, the Raymond sisters have always supported one another. Their hope for Match Day was to continue that journey together, and when they opened their envelopes, their wish came true—they had both matched with the FSU Internal Medicine Residency Program at Cape Coral Hospital.
“We both ranked it our first choice,” Amanda shared excitedly.
“We were hoping,” Tamara added, their relief and joy evident.
The momentous occasion took place at FSU’s Ruby Diamond Auditorium, where College of Medicine Dean Alma Littles, M.D., delivered the eagerly awaited words: “Open your envelopes.” As students complied, the room erupted into cheers, laughter, and even a few tears as future doctors learned where they would begin the next chapter of their careers.
The Matching Process
Match Day is more than just a ceremony—it’s the result of a meticulously coordinated system known as the National Resident Matching Program. In the months leading up to Match Day, students apply to residency programs, rank their preferences, and await a computerized matching process that aligns their choices with those of program directors. The outcome determines where each student will spend the next several years in training.
At FSU, this year’s match results highlighted a strong commitment to primary care, with 51% of graduates securing placements in fields such as internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics & gynecology. In total, 52 of the 113 graduates (46%) will remain in Florida to complete their residencies, a statistic that underscores both the opportunities and limitations of the state’s residency programs. While Florida continues to expand available residency slots, the numbers indicate a persistent need for more positions to keep young doctors in-state.
Studies have shown that physicians are more likely to establish their practices within 50 miles of where they complete their residencies. With healthcare shortages in many regions, especially in primary care fields, the placement of these newly minted doctors plays a crucial role in shaping the future of medical care in Florida and beyond.
Emotional Moments and Personal Triumphs
Beyond the statistics, Match Day is an emotional rollercoaster. For many students, the event is a moment to reflect on the challenges they’ve overcome, the mentors who have guided them, and the loved ones who have supported them every step of the way.
“I’d like to thank the admissions committee for taking a chance on me four years ago,” said Sammy Shihadeh, who matched in general surgery at Atrium Health Navicent Medical Center in Macon, Georgia. His words echoed the gratitude felt by many in the room.
Throughout the ceremony, students took to the stage with family and friends, some choosing to open their envelopes in front of their classmates. For Riann White, the moment was one of humor and tradition. Standing on stage with her parents, she handed the envelope to her father.
“He has opened every piece of mail that comes into the house, with or without my permission,” she joked, eliciting laughter from the crowd. White matched in obstetrics & gynecology at the University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville.
Logan Schulz shared his special moment with his grandfather, Dr. Richard Conard, who had inspired him to pursue medicine. Schulz matched in surgery-preliminary at the same institution where his grandfather once trained—UF’s College of Medicine and Shands Hospital. Similarly, Katarina Forsthoefel followed in the footsteps of her physician parents and sister, securing a match in obstetrics & gynecology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson.
Sean Gabany, whose journey to medicine began in middle school through FSU’s SSTRIDE program, expressed his deep appreciation for the university’s continued support. His match was a triple success—he will train in pediatrics, psychiatry, and child psychiatry at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Even more special was the fact that his girlfriend, Katie Allen, whom he met during research at the Immokalee Health Education Site, is joining him in Cincinnati.
“That is the plan,” Gabany said, beaming.
Psychiatry and Beyond
This year’s match results also showed a growing interest in psychiatry, with 14 graduates—12% of the class—pursuing the specialty. Aanchal Shah, who previously completed an external rotation at Yale, proudly announced her psychiatry match at Yale University-New Haven Hospital, accompanied on stage by her parents, sisters, and boyfriend.
For Nikki Sangha, Match Day felt surreal. After years of dedication, she now found herself surrounded by fellow future psychiatrists.
“I’m thankful for that after this journey,” she quipped. Sangha will train in internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas.
Not all students could attend the event in person, but their milestones were still celebrated. Shwetha Shetty, visiting family in India, matched in internal medicine-primary at Emory University School of Medicine. Cristina Sanchez-Benitez, who had just welcomed her second child the previous weekend, secured her residency in emergency medicine at Orlando Health.
A Message of Gratitude and Hope
Class President Sean Wimberley, a former registered pharmacist with a decade of experience, expressed his deep appreciation for FSU and its faculty. He highlighted the impact of Assistant Director of Academic & Student Services Carla Dunn, who played an instrumental role in guiding students through their medical school journey.
“Carla, your dedication helped make today everything we hoped it would be, and we are so grateful,” he said.
In his final words to his fellow graduates, Wimberley reminded them of the privilege and responsibility that comes with being a physician.
“There are thousands of students who wish they could be in our shoes today. Let’s honor them—and ourselves—by becoming the very best physicians we can be,” he said. “And by serving as proud ambassadors for the FSU College of Medicine and the mission that brought us here.”
As the ceremony concluded, students left with a renewed sense of purpose and an eagerness to embark on the next phase of their medical careers. For these graduates, Match Day was more than just a milestone—it was the beginning of a lifelong journey to heal, serve, and make a difference in the world of medicine.
