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Match Day: Anticipating a new chapter

Jeanne Rabalais, MD, MHA, is a second-year resident in the department of emergency medicine at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville.
Kamyl Bogan, MD, is a second-year resident in the department of psychiatry at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville.

UF COMJ welcomes 98 new resident physicians

“Match day had finally arrived and the anticipation was immense,” said Jeanne Rabalais, MD, MHA, currently a second-year resident in the department of emergency medicine at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville, reflecting on her Match Day experience. “When I received the email saying I matched at UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville for emergency medicine, a flood of emotions flowed. There were screams, laughing, hugging and happy tears.” 

Students in their final year of medical school anxiously await Match Day results to see where they will continue their clinical training. Students complete a series of applications and interviews from their top choices of residency programs. In turn, residency programs make their picks for incoming residents as well. The National Resident Matching Program uses an algorithm to successfully match graduating medical students with a program.

For many individuals, this is the moment dreams become reality.

“That day changed my life forever,” said Kamyl Bogan, MD, a second-year resident in the department of psychiatry. “I was not only given the chance to fulfill my dream of serving individuals with mental health disorders in an amazing program, but I also matched in the same city where my husband was stationed as an officer.”

Both Bogan and Rabalais are well into their residency programs and have been recognized by their program directors as outstanding resident physicians.

Match Day 2023 by the numbers

On March 17, 98 medical students and graduates learned they would start the next phase of their medical career at the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville. Of the group, 58 are from allopathic medical schools and 34 are from osteopathic medical schools.

There are 25 resident physicians from medical schools in the state of Florida.

Twelve residency programs filled their positions through the match process this year.

“We are proud to welcome a wonderful group of new residents to the UF College of Medicine-Jacksonville,” said Elisa Zenni, MD, senior associate dean for educational affairs. “Our residency programs are led by physicians, researchers and mentors who are trailblazers in their specialties. The diverse patient population we serve gives residents the opportunity to train and excel in any medical environment. Together we are proud to equip the next generation of health care leaders.” 

Incoming residents will officially begin their training on July 1.  

Featured Faculty

Elisa A. Zenni, MD

Elisa A. Zenni, MD

Professor
Senior Associate Dean for Educational Affairs