Residency Match 2023

Claire Becker: A Love for Connecting with People - PCOM

Claire Becker (DO ‘23) always knew she wanted to go into medicine, but it was a realization about herself that cemented the decision. “I knew I wanted to be a clinician once I realized I loved connecting with people,” she said. Becker matched into Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “I chose PM&R because I am interested in helping patients get back to functional life after a traumatic event,” she said. “PM&R allows me to oversee a patient's recovery as well as create safe modifications that let them get back to what makes them happy and fulfilled.”

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Madeleine Brown: Helping People at Their Most Vulnerable - PCOM

“It’s a privilege to work with patients at their most vulnerable moments,” said Madeleine Brown (DO ‘23) of her match into psychiatry at St. Luke’s Hospital in Anderson, PA. “Psychiatry allows you to formulate strong patient-physician relationships from the very first interaction. To treat mental illness, you must first truly understand the person behind the illness. Brown chose PCOM for her medical education because of the holistic philosophy that forms the bedrock of osteopathic medicine. “I chose an osteopathic medical school because of my love for the mind and its interactions with the body. Additionally, I believe the clinical education that we get at an osteopathic school is centered on empathy and compassion.”

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Jordan Clear and Tapan Patel: Recalling a Simpler Time - PCOM Georgia

Jordan Clear (DO ’23) and Tapan Patel (DO ’23) enjoyed reminiscing about their time together in Tifton as roommates during a rotation. They recalled that there was no traffic and they were able to walk to work in five minutes. That will no longer be the case as Clear, a graduate of the University of Florida, matched to an internal medicine residency at Orlando Health, his first choice. He had applied for residency positions all along the East Coast.

Patel, who grew up in Alpharetta and graduated from the University of Georgia, applied to internal medicine and anesthesia residencies. “I’ll be very happy with either one,” he said before finding out that he will train in anesthesia, his specialty of choice, at Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, California.

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Moshe Erdfrocht: From Moultrie to Johns Hopkins - PCOM South Georgia

After placing his pin on the map, Moshe Erdfrocht (DO ’23) stood back and looked at its location. He just found out that he matched with Johns Hopkins in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.

“I knew Johns Hopkins was in the D.C. area, but I had no clue that Baltimore was so close to D.C.,” Erdfrocht said later. “Hopkins was my first choice for several reasons. It’s an amazing institution with a very rich history for education and medicine. My interview process with them was very pleasant, and everyone I spoke to really stood out to me in extremely positive ways. It’s not too far away from friends and family.”

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Jonathan and Jonas Hyacinthe: A Package Deal - PCOM

Jonathan and Jonas Hyacinthe (DO ’23) have always known they wanted to go into medicine and were encouraged to do so by their parents. They jumped at the opportunity to attend PCOM together, as they always worked well as a pair, whether in sports or academics.

On Match Day, they opened up their envelopes side by side, surrounded by friends and classmates. The result: the brothers both matched in psychiatry at the Delaware Psychiatric Center.

“It’s beyond our wildest dreams,” Jonas said. “It’s amazing, the fact that we started this journey together and get to keep moving forward together on this journey.”

“We knew we’d do great together in this as well,” Jonathan said of residency. “I’m so glad it worked out, and I’m so glad that we get to share this journey and continue with each other.”

Jonas said he has appreciated the diversity of the student population and PCOM’s culture.

“The fact that we interviewed together and they saw something in both of us, and that we were able to succeed at this institution together and go to where we wanted to go after that together, it’s really a testament that PCOM is everything we needed.”

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Omoshade Idowu: Present, Visible, and Accessible - PCOM

Present, visible, and accessible is how Omoshade Idowu (DO ’23) describes her interest in various leadership positions at PCOM, including the DO Council, and through the Student National Medical Association at the chapter, regional, and national levels.

“African Americans are presently underrepresented in medicine when it comes to matriculation into medical school. I want to be present, visible, and accessible to others interested in pursuing a career in medicine,” said Idowu, who matched in emergency medicine at Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia.

“Health advocacy has been a driving force in my pursuit of a medical career. My passion for advocacy is evident in my community involvement prior to medicine and my leadership roles during medical school,” Idowu said. “It’s important for me to be in a space where I can advocate for my patients and serve the Philadelphia community. I am overjoyed to start my emergency medicine residency at Einstein Healthcare Network and finish my medical education at PCOM. I am a proud DO!”

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Raj Madhani: Paying it Forward - PCOM

After his dad had a heart attack, Raj Madhani (DO ’23) spent much of his early childhood learning about medicine through doctor's appointments, medications, and the challenges of living with coronary artery disease. “My dad's doctors ensured he could watch me grow up to be the person I am today,” said Madhani. “I wanted to pay forward this blessing.”

Madhani, who matched in anesthesiology at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Pittsburgh) with a preliminary year in medicine at Einstein Medical Center, offered advice to first-year students just beginning their journey: “Keep doing the things you love or spending time with the people you love during medical school. The whole process is long and challenging, but surrounding yourself with support and taking time away from studying will help you get through it!”

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Alyson Meyer: A choice to ‘Quarterback’ the Patient’s Healthcare Team - PCOM South Georgia

The expression on Alyson Meyer (DO ’23)’s face was one of joy and shock. Opening her envelope revealed that she matched with her first choice—Mount Sinai Morningside in New York City in internal medicine.

“I chose Mount Sinai Morningside for a number of reasons,” Meyer said later. “Mount Sinai has served New Yorkers for over 150 years. The residency training takes place at the two hospitals, three ambulatory sites, and Memorial Sloan Kettering for an oncology rotation. The diversity that these various training locations provide for the residents is unique and unlike many other IM programs. In addition, the faculty and staff are dedicated to the residents, their learning and their success. This was evident on my interview day. The culture of the program is very appealing. The diverse resident class, combined with their close-knit, welcoming nature is unlike anything I had observed during clinical rotations and in other interviews.”

Meyer said she chose internal medicine because the IM physician is the “quarterback of the patient’s healthcare team.” She explained that when caring for a patient, the IM physician coordinates and interprets the next move in the drive toward the goal of a successful outcome.

“IM encompasses exactly what I seek in my career: meaningful, patient-centered care, complex thinking, and the ability to collaborate with other healthcare professionals,” Meyer said.

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Claudine Nwadiozor: ‘PCOM Chose Me’ - PCOM

Claudine Nwadiozor (DO ’23) matched at the Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education in Washington, D.C., focusing on family medicine. Nwadiozor said the program has everything she’s looking for in a career, and that she’ll be able to help care for an underserved, predominantly Black patient population. The program is also close to her family and her partner.

“I always tell everyone, ‘PCOM chose me,’ Nwadiozor said upon picking up her match envelope. “They were the only school that took a chance on me, and I love my experiences here. I have a great family here and good friends who are now going to be colleagues after graduation … Overall, it’s been a great experience, and I wouldn’t change it for anything at all. I love PCOM and thank them for taking a chance on me, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

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Ashley Otto: A Deep Love for Science and Medicine - PCOM

“Elated and overjoyed.” That’s how Ashley Otto (DO ’23) described her feelings after matching into Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital/Magee Rehabilitation.

Otto hopes to bring her love of helping people—and of science—to her residency at TJUH. “I have a deep love for science and medicine, the desire to deepen and restore the often fractured patient-physician relationship among minority communities, a love for people and wanting to help those live a strong and robust life,” she said. “There is no greater joy than creating a strong bond with a patient and working together to build a healthier life.”

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Megan Pattoli: Science and Service - PCOM

Throughout her primary and secondary education, Megan Pattoli (DO ‘23) was always drawn to the STEM fields. She also loved serving others through volunteerism. She found the intersection of these two passions in osteopathic medicine. “I chose to attend an osteopathic medical school because every DO I have worked with not only strives for proper health of their patients, but also emphasizes their overall well-being in the process,” she said. “Understanding and communicating with patients and their families is seen as an essential component to quality medical care versus an adjacent entity that slows down the day. It became clear rather quickly that the way PCOM’s commitment to emulating the osteopathic philosophy matriculates to its students was a culture that I would ultimately thrive in.”

Pattoli, who matched in internal medicine at St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem, PA, was “overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement” when she learned where she had matched. She also learned that some clichés really are true, like the one about internal medicine doctors and puzzles. “The conventional association of internal medicine docs is true, I really do love puzzles!”

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Cheron Perkins: Ready to Serve on Healthcare’s Frontline - PCOM

Cheron Perkins (DO ’23) feels a mission for emergency medicine, and her residency match at LSU Health New Orleans “Spirit of Charity” will take her back to her hometown.

Perkins was joined by her mother, younger sister and boyfriend, among many others (both in person and virtually, via a large Zoom meeting). Her family also helped outfit Perkins with purple, green and gold beads and a Mardi Gras-themed parasol, capping off a Louisiana look. When she found out her match—her first choice of programs—she was moved to tears.

“You’re getting to treat patients at the frontline in their most vulnerable state,” Perkins said. “They were speaking earlier about heroes, and I think it takes a true hero to wake up every morning and go into the unknown in the ED wanting to do that job.”

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Bhakti Sanghani and Madison Hoover: A Match Day Reunion - PCOM Georgia

Classmates Bhakti Sanghani (DO ’23) and Madison Hoover (DO ’23), who bonded in PCOM Georgia’s library during their first year of medical school, enjoyed seeing each other at the Match Day celebration. It had been awhile. They recalled that they had not been together in person since their first year when the pandemic wreaked havoc on their schedules.

Sanghani, who graduated from Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee and Georgia Tech, was excited to learn that she matched to emergency medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, while Hoover was happy to learn that she matched to family medicine at Tidelands Health in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

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Robert Schlitt: Like Father, Like Son - PCOM

For Robert Schlitt (DO ‘23), who matched in pediatrics at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, going to medical school and becoming a pediatrician could be genetic. Schlitt’s father is a pediatrician and modeled what it means to be a doctor. “I have been able to recognize how generous the field of medicine can be if you truly care about helping others,” he said. “I have seen [my father’s] impact on people’s lives and how much he enjoys what he does. My experience through my journey of medical school has only solidified my excitement for what the field of medicine will provide.”

Schlitt is looking forward to the lifelong bonds that can develop between a child and their doctor. “I find it gratifying to help the patients as they grow and learn. To be part of their journey is special to me, and I look forward to positively impacting my future patients the best that I can.”

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Hayley Silverstein: Coming Full Circle - PCOM Georgia

Hayley Silverstein (DO ’23) won’t be moving far from home when she reports to her residency training program in July. Raised in Atlanta and a graduate of Pace Academy and Emory University, Silverstein matched into psychiatry at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville.

“When I did my rotation in psychiatry at Northeast Georgia during my third year, I knew it was what I wanted to do,” she said. “That’s when I fell in love with psychiatry and I just loved it there. I went back for a rotation during my fourth year and now I’m going to be there as a resident. It’s like I’ve come full circle. They solidified my decision to go into psychiatry and now I get to do my residency there. I’m so excited!”

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Chris Staley: In the Midst of Family - PCOM Georgia

Crossing his arms across his chest, Chris Staley (DO ’23) waited with anticipation to find out where he had matched, surrounded by his fiancée, mom, dad, and sister. A graduate of Marist High School and Emory University in Atlanta, Staley visibly relaxed when he found out he had matched to general surgery at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville. Let the celebration begin!

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Natasha Stanley: Future Pediatrician - PCOM

A few minutes after noon, tears still in her eyes, Natasha Stanley (DO ’23) said it proudly: She matched to her No. 1 residency program, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

“I’m blessed and honored to be in this position and looking forward to what’s to come,” Stanley said. “But I wouldn’t be here without my family, my close friends, and mentors who have supported me and carried me through this.”

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Xavia Taylor: Giving Back to her Community - PCOM South Georgia

Xavia Taylor (DO ’23) grew up in both Colquitt and Thomas counties. After earning her medical degree at PCOM South Georgia, she will continue her medical education as an internal medicine resident at Archbold Medical Center in Thomasville.

“Archbold Medical Center was my first choice,” Taylor said later. “I chose Archbold based on the experience I had during my audition rotation with them. All of the staff that I had the chance to work with were without a doubt very welcoming and very interested in my matriculation thus far. I felt as if the faculty there truly cared about me. They gave me amazing feedback and, as a result, it made me feel comfortable throughout the entire four weeks.”

Taylor explained that she chose internal medicine because of the guidance she received from the doctors with whom she rotated during medical school.

“For me, internal medicine will allow me to give back to my community as a generalist or by choosing to specialize,” she said. “I love the diversity offered within that. I am looking forward to starting this new journey as an Internal Medicine Resident Physician in late June.”

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Ashley Turek: A Chance Encounter with a Special Outcome - PCOM Georgia

Five years ago, Ashley Turek (DO ’23) was in a Verizon store talking to the cashier about applying to medical school. She'd planned on applying only to allopathic schools. Suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulder. A man handed her his business card and said, "You should apply here." His card read: Bryan Ginn, Chief Campus Officer, GA-PCOM (now PCOM Georgia).

Later, Turek researched the school and applied. In fact, she ended up applying exclusively to osteopathic medical schools. Four years ago, she was accepted to PCOM Georgia. Today, she matched into internal medicine at Northside Hospital Gwinnett.

Ginn was late to PCOM Georgia's Match Day event. He had rushed over to the event after a prior commitment, but most of the festivities had ended. Still, he chatted with the remaining students until one approached and asked him his name. It was Turek.

She remembered Bryan Ginn—he was the reason she was here, she said—and she still had the business card that he had given her all those years ago. Ginn was tickled that she took the opportunity to ask for his signature on the business card. It was a special day for both of them.

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Shiori Ucheya: A Great Journey Especially for a Mom of Three - PCOM Georgia

“It’s been a great journey,” said Shiori Ucheya, (DO ’23), holding baby Aspen in her arms who was born just five months ago. “When I found out that I matched on Monday, I was very happy and emotional, but I had to wait for today to find out where I matched. I’m nervous, but very happy,” she said, “and very excited about my next steps.”

Ucheya joined her husband, her brother-in-law and her best friend when it was time to open her envelope. With tears in her eyes, she happily announced that she would be training at Emory School of Medicine in family medicine. Aspen is Ucheya’s third child. She started medical school with two other children, Vivienne (now 12) and Julienne (now 5). “I want to give credit to my amazing kids and my husband for supporting me through medical school,” she said.

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