The countdown reached zero, streamer cannons erupted, and the long-awaited moment arrived. FIU medical students opened the envelopes, hoping for a perfect match.
Match Day is a significant event for medical students, symbolizing the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. It’s a day filled with excitement, nervousness, and anticipation as students learn the residency program, where they will continue their medical training and begin their careers as physicians. This is called a match.
For the second consecutive year, the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine achieved a 100% placement rate, with all 113 graduating students securing residency programs.
Emotions flooded the room as students and their loved ones burst out in screams, hugs, and tears. A once distant milestone, accomplished.
See photos from Match Day 2024.
Michael Qureshi’s ambition to become a doctor was inspired by his late uncle, a plumber for a hospital. As a child, Michael accompanied his uncle to the hospital, where his uncle expressed his dream of seeing the boy walk the hospital halls as a doctor. “It was an incredible journey. I couldn’t be happier.” Michael matched in pediatrics with his number one choice, Duke University Medical Center. His uncle would be proud.
Brenda Abreu Molnar knew landing a highly competitive dermatology residency would be challenging. So, she took a gap year to do research and enhance her chances. It meant waiting an extra year to graduate, but it paid off. Brenda was speechless when she realized she matched at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “She deserves it. She’s worked hard,” said her sister Diana, a pediatrician who got her M.D. from FIU in 2017.
The Class of 2024 will be making its mark nationwide with program matches in 23 states and some of the most competitive residency specialties, including ophthalmology, dermatology, urology, and plastic surgery. Notably, 42% of the class will continue their medical training in Florida, and nearly a third will stay in South Florida. This is important because there is a critical physician shortage, and young doctors tend to set up practice in the area where they perform their residency.
Speaking to the future physicians, Dr. Juan Cendan, the medical school dean, reminded the students that the “envelope is the name on a door.” The door opens possibilities but does not define their journey. They’ll be responsible for seizing opportunities and creating their own paths.