Celebrating Success: UAG School of Medicine IMGs Match on Match Day 2024

It's a momentous day for the UAG School of Medicine as we celebrate the incredible achievements of our international medical students (IMGs) on Match Day 2024. This day marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance as our graduates and students take the next step in their medical careers.

The excitement is palpable as a significant number of our IMGs have successfully matched into prestigious residency programs across the United States. Each match represents not just a placement, but a testament to the quality of education and training provided by the UAG School of Medicine.

"As Dean of the School of Medicine, I am immensely proud of our IMGs for their outstanding achievements on Match Day 2024. Their dedication and perseverance have been truly inspiring, and I have no doubt that they will continue to excel as compassionate and skilled physicians," says Dr. Ahmad Kashif.

As we delve into the match results, seeing the diversity of specialties our IMGs will be entering is inspiring. From emergency medicine to family medicine, internal medicine to neurology, and obstetrics & gynecology to psychiatry, our graduates and students have found their calling in various areas of healthcare.

The geographic spread of our matched residencies is equally impressive, with IMGs heading to states from coast to coast. From the sunny shores of California to the bustling streets of New York City, and everywhere in between, our IMGs will be making their mark on healthcare across the nation.

Behind each match is a story of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment. Whether it's overcoming challenges in medical school, navigating the complexities of the residency application process, or embracing the unknowns of starting a new chapter in a new city, our IMGs have shown what it means to persevere in pursuit of their dreams.

"To our graduates and students, congratulations on this incredible achievement! Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and I have no doubt that you will continue to achieve great things in your medical careers," says Roxane Grant, Graduate Affairs and Career Advising Director.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, the UAG School of Medicine hosted a virtual Zoom celebration, bringing together faculty, staff, and fellow students to congratulate our graduates and students on their achievements. It was a joyous occasion filled with laughter, tears of joy, and heartfelt congratulations as we wished our IMGs well on their journey ahead.

As we reflect on this milestone, we are reminded of the unwavering support and guidance the UAG School of Medicine provided. Our graduates and students can rest assured knowing that their alma mater will always be there for them, cheering them on every step of the way.

To our IMGs who have matched on Match Day 2024, congratulations! Your achievements are a source of pride for the UAG School of Medicine, and we do not doubt that you will continue to excel as a compassionate, skilled, and dedicated physician. Here's to your future success and the incredible impact you will make in healthcare.

Meet our 2024 Match Residents

My name is Edwin Mendoza, and originally from Fresno, CA. I felt extremely grateful to God, my family, and my girlfriend for all the love and support during the match process! Incredible feeling to match my number choice! First and foremost, my goal is to provide the best evidence-based care to all patients and grow each day as an internist. I hope to join either a GI or Cardio fellowship based on how rotations go! Never doubt yourself and continue to work hard every day because it will make a difference in the end.

Hello, I am Laura Castro, MD from Edinburg, Texas apart from medicine I love to spend time with my family, boyfriend, and I love anything that has to do with fashion and makeup. When I matched I felt so many emotions I felt like I fulfilled the promise I made to my father before he passed away, and I am so happy I am able to be back home. I am hoping to learn a lot and become an extraordinary doctor and hopefully go into a GI fellowship.

Esteban Robinson Bours is a Sonoran-born immigrant with the long-held dream of becoming a surgeon and reducing the suffering of others. He was ecstatic to receive a general surgery offer to Boston University associated St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center and join a dedicated team on the cutting edge of medical innovation. His aims include having a meaningful impact on his community, developing as a leader in his field and continuing to represent Latinos in medicine.

"Al final la cuenta será que tanto te pareces al quien tuviste que haber sido.” -Roberto Robinson Bours Urrea, MD

My name is Gesler Madhere, I’m a simple guy who enjoys sports, podcasts, and socializing! I’ve dreamt of being a physician since I was 6, so when I matched, I was speechless and took a while to process. I will be going into internal medicine with an interest in critical care for my fellowship.

Super excited to be joining Creighton University at Phoenix for General Surgery-Prelim. I initially applied for Ob/Gyn and they were my #1 program. This opportunity will make me a better physician and will prepare me for the surgical aspects of Ob/Gyn. I am beyond grateful on how things worked out at the end.

I honestly feel like I’m in a dream. So much work, dedication, and perseverance to arrive to this day. Today I found out I’ve MATCHED as a Resident Physician into Emergency Medicine at a Level 1 Trauma facility in New York City. God is so favorable and amazing for everything he has done and is doing. To my mother, there’s no way I would have been here without you, and I am and will forever be eternally grateful to you. To my family and support system that has pushed me and lifted me up to arrive to this point, I am forever in debt to you. It doesn’t matter what anyone says, if you want something bad enough it is possible. To God be all the Glory!! There’s a reason God placed me here and I am so humble and grateful for the opportunity to serve such a beautiful patient population/ community! BRONX WHAT UP!!!!