A Perfect Match
Match Day marks a major milestone for University of Houston medical students
A hush falls across the room as the moment they’ve waited their whole lives for draws near. After years of hard work and dedication, everything rests inside a sealed envelope.
Then, in an instant, anticipation gives way to celebration — and relief — as the dream they’ve been working toward all along becomes reality.
It’s the perfect match.
The Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine celebrated its largest Match Day ever in 2026.
The Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine celebrated its largest Match Day ever in 2026.
At the University of Houston’s Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, Match Day marks a defining milestone for both students and the institution. It’s when they learn where they will continue their training in residency.
“Match Day is one of the most exciting days of the year for our students and for the Fertitta College of Medicine — it reflects years of hard work and dedication,” said Jonathan McCullers, dean of the Fertitta College of Medicine. “As these new physicians move on to residency, they carry with them our mission to improve health care and health outcomes in the communities we serve. We could not be prouder of their achievement.”
What is The Match?
Each year on the third Friday in March, thousands of graduating medical students across the country are placed into residency programs through the National Resident Matching Program, commonly referred to as the Match.
The program was established in 1952 at the request of medical students to create a more orderly system for aligning applicants’ preferences with those of residency program directors. Prior to its creation, competition among programs became so intense that some began recruiting students early in their training, limiting their options. The Match introduced a centralized process designed to bring structure and fairness to the system.
100% of UH medical students matched with their residency programs.
100% of UH medical students matched with their residency programs.
“This year’s match is especially meaningful because it’s the largest class of students our college has ever sent into residency,” said Dr. Kristin Kassaw, associate dean of student affairs and clinical associate professor. “It’s a clear sign of the growth and momentum at the Fertitta College of Medicine, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see these students take the next step in their journeys.”
This is the Fertitta College of Medicine’s third Match Day — and its largest by far. All 51 students in the class matched, with nearly 70% staying in Texas and 65% going into primary care. Several students matched with prestigious residency programs in 13 other states, including Stanford University in California, the University of Michigan and the Mayo Clinic’s campus in Florida.
Each year on the third Friday in March, thousands of graduating medical students across the country are placed into residency programs through the National Resident Matching Program, commonly referred to as the Match.
The program was established in 1952 at the request of medical students to create a more orderly system for aligning applicants’ preferences with those of residency program directors. Prior to its creation, competition among programs became so intense that some began recruiting students early in their training, limiting their options. The Match introduced a centralized process designed to bring structure and fairness to the system.
“This year’s match is especially meaningful because it’s the largest class of students our college has ever sent into residency,” said Dr. Kristin Kassaw, associate dean of student affairs and clinical associate professor. “It’s a clear sign of the growth and momentum at the Fertitta College of Medicine, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see these students take the next step in their journeys.”
This is the Fertitta College of Medicine’s third Match Day — and its largest by far. All 51 students in the class matched, with nearly 70% staying in Texas and 65% going into primary care. Several students matched with prestigious residency programs in 13 other states, including Stanford University in California, the University of Michigan and the Mayo Clinic’s campus in Florida.
100%
MATCH RATE
69%
MATCHED IN TEXAS
65%
MATCHED IN PRIMARY CARE
13
STATES MATCHED IN
Stories Behind The Match
Behind every Match Day envelope is a story years in the making — one of sacrifice, doubt, discovery and perseverance — defined by the moments and relationships that guide each student’s path to becoming a physician.
“Match Day makes everything feel real — it’s the start of my journey to becoming a pediatrician and a milestone that means so much to me and my family as I become the first physician in it. I’m incredibly grateful for the support that brought me here and excited for what lies ahead.”
Nyeomi McGaskey
Drawn to primary care and a deep commitment to serving communities that may not have as much access to health services, Amacalli Tejeda, a fourth-year medical student from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, says her training at the Fertitta College of Medicine — with its emphasis on both clinical science and the social determinants of health — has influenced how she approaches patient care.
“Match Day represents my transition from being a student to becoming a physician who can finally give back to the communities that inspired me,” said Tejeda, who will do her residency in pediatrics at the UT Health Science Center in Houston. “It is a day of gratitude for everyone who has helped me along the way and a reflection of the principles I carry into practice every day to better serve my patients.”
Drawn to primary care and a deep commitment to serving communities that may not have as much access to health services, Amacalli Tejeda, a fourth-year medical student from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, says her training at the Fertitta College of Medicine — with its emphasis on both clinical science and the social determinants of health — has influenced how she approaches patient care.
“Match Day represents my transition from being a student to becoming a physician who can finally give back to the communities that inspired me,” said Tejeda, who will do her residency in pediatrics at the UT Health Science Center in Houston. “It is a day of gratitude for everyone who has helped me along the way and a reflection of the principles I carry into practice every day to better serve my patients.”
For Houston native Stephanie Sanchez, a fourth-year student who matched in neurology at UT’s Dell Medical School in Austin, the Fertitta College of Medicine’s community-based approach to health care extended beyond the classroom through opportunities that left a lasting impression.
“I have so many fond memories of my time at Fertitta College of Medicine, but the week I spent in Honduras on a medical brigade stands out,” Sanchez said. “It was incredibly meaningful, and I hope to return to the clinic one day to continue serving that community.”
For Houston native Stephanie Sanchez, a fourth-year student who matched in neurology at UT’s Dell Medical School in Austin, the Fertitta College of Medicine’s community-based approach to health care extended beyond the classroom through opportunities that left a lasting impression.
“I have so many fond memories of my time at Fertitta College of Medicine, but the week I spent in Honduras on a medical brigade stands out,” Sanchez said. “It was incredibly meaningful, and I hope to return to the clinic one day to continue serving that community.”
Across the cohort, it was the camaraderie — long hours of studying, shared challenges and friendships forged in classrooms and clinics — that defined their time in medical school as much as the training itself.
“For me, Match Day is the culmination of the intentional work I’ve been doing since high school to become a surgeon,” said Brendan Rosamond, a fourth-year medical student from Katy, Texas, who will do his residency in general surgery at the University of Michigan's hospital. “This is a huge celebration for my family, friends, teachers and mentors who’ve supported me, and I’m excited for what comes next.”
Together, these stories capture what Match Day represents at its core — a milestone marked not only by academic achievement, but by purpose, perseverance and the people who make it possible.
Across the cohort, it was the camaraderie — long hours of studying, shared challenges and friendships forged in classrooms and clinics — that defined their time in medical school as much as the training itself.
“For me, Match Day is the culmination of the intentional work I’ve been doing since high school to become a surgeon,” said Brendan Rosamond, a fourth-year medical student from Katy, Texas, who will do his residency in general surgery at the University of Michigan's hospital. “This is a huge celebration for my family, friends, teachers and mentors who’ve supported me, and I’m excited for what comes next.”
Together, these stories capture what Match Day represents at its core — a milestone marked not only by academic achievement, but by purpose, perseverance and the people who make it possible.
“Match Day makes everything feel real — it’s the start of my journey to becoming a pediatrician and a milestone that means so much to me and my family as I become the first physician in it,” said fourth-year medical student Nyeomi McGaskey, who will do her residency in pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. “I’m incredibly grateful for the support that brought me here and excited for what lies ahead.”
Together, these stories capture what Match Day represents at its core — a milestone marked not only by academic achievement, but by purpose, perseverance and the people who make it possible.
“Match Day makes everything feel real — it’s the start of my journey to becoming a pediatrician and a milestone that means so much to me and my family as I become the first physician in it,” said fourth-year medical student Nyeomi McGaskey, who will do her residency in pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. “I’m incredibly grateful for the support that brought me here and excited for what lies ahead.”
UH medical student Nicholas Tchekryguin celebrates Match Day 2026.
UH medical student Nicholas Tchekryguin celebrates Match Day 2026.
UH medical student Megan Vu (right) celebrates Match Day 2026.
UH medical student Megan Vu (right) celebrates Match Day 2026.
UH medical students Sage Campbell (left) and Ana Vu celebrate Match Day 2026.
UH medical students Sage Campbell (left) and Ana Vu celebrate Match Day 2026.
UH medical student Nyeomi McGaskey celebrates with her family on Match Day 2026.
UH medical student Nyeomi McGaskey celebrates with her family on Match Day 2026.
Match Day 2026 was a family affair for UH medical students.
Match Day 2026 was a family affair for UH medical students.
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