Match Day 2022 Highlights Miller School Students’ Success

The event took place in the Schoninger Research Quadrangle, where tents, balloons, and loved ones filled the scene with excitement as students picked up their envelopes and huddled together to hear congratulatory speeches from faculty members before opening their envelopes at noon.

Words of Wisdom

Hilit Mechaber, M.D. ’95, senior associate dean for student affairs, led the opening remarks welcoming the class of 2022.

“We always say Match Day is the culmination of all the years of training in your professional and academic journey,” Dr. Mechaber said. “Remember, no matter where you land, you are capable, ready, and privileged to embark on this next phase of your training, and we all could not be prouder.”

Henri R. Ford, M.D., M.H.A., dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School, offered words of wisdom as he reminded the seniors of their final days of medical school.

“When you open your envelope, it will mean the dawn of a new day in your life,” Dean Ford said. “It’s fantastic knowing you have made it, and a new experience awaits you. Remember, what determines where you end up in life is what you do going forward.”

Latha Chandran, M.D., M.P.H., executive dean and founding chair of the Department of Medical Education, announced some of the statistics for the class, praising how well they did in the match.

“We had an outstanding match as 96% of our students matched,” Dr. Chandran said. “Wherever you go, you will be our ambassadors, paving the way for the next class of Miller School students. Hold dearly in your hearts your family and friends. Don’t forget them, as it takes a village.”

By the Numbers

Women led this year’s match with a 58% rate compared to 41% of men, further diversifying the face of medicine. In addition to a 96% match, the class of 2022 will have 41 graduates going into internal medicine, 16 into general surgery, and 14 in both OBGYN and pediatrics.

The class also has residents matching in competitive fields, with four in neurology, two in plastic surgery, and one in urology. Graduates will be split among 31 states at competitive institutions such as Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and UT Southwestern. One-third of the class will be staying in Florida, followed by California, New York, and Texas.

Student Perspectives

Alex Skelton, president of the class of 2022, led the final two minutes before the noon countdown showing how proud he is of his classmates and loved ones.

“I’m happy to be here with you all today,” said Skelton, who matched with the Cleveland Clinic for primary care medicine. “I would like to give a big thanks to the faculty and staff and to all our family and loved ones who helped us make it this far. I also wouldn’t have made it this far without my awesome classmates. Today is about celebrating us. Whatever you find in that envelope, be proud of yourself.”

Leading up to Match Day, the Miller School shared personal stories from several seniors, such as Raul Alsina, a father of two with a passion for pediatrics who matched with his first choice in pediatrics at the UMiami/Jackson Health System.

“The Miami program has always held a special place in my heart,” Alsina said. “Aside from being an amazing institution, the thing that won me over is the people. I always felt comfortable and at home.”

For Ayi Eta, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree, as she will be going to Johns Hopkins for internal medicine, the same field in which her father practices.

“I plan on specializing in internal medicine and then long-term going into nephrology,” Eta said. “I just got my cap and gown, and my parents are tearing up. They’re very proud of me and have been so supportive of this entire journey, especially during the hard parts.”

A gallery of photos from Match Day is available here.

Written by Joey Garcia

Published on March 22, 2022