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On Match Day, held annually the third Friday of March, fourth-year medical students from across the nation open envelopes to learn where they’ll begin residency programs. Residencies, which last three to seven years depending on specialty, are the final leg of their journey.
These new doctors applied to and interviewed at medical institutions across the nation, hoping to be matched with their top pick, where they will practice under the supervision of experienced physicians.
Opening their envelopes was akin to an actor learning who won the Oscar.
For Orion Battaglia (BS Biology '20), his reaction on Match Day was immediate joy: he was matched to his first choice at Smoky Hills Family Medicine Residency in Salina, Kansas.
“But I also had thoughts of the responsibility I am about to step into,” Battaglia said. “I wanted to go to a program that I felt offered stellar training for rural family medicine."
His dream is to return to Pittsburg, where he and his fiancée grew up, to contribute to the health of their hometown.
He expressed gratitude for the education he got at Pitt State.
“Completing my undergraduate studies at Pitt State was one of the best decisions I made in my education for a couple of reasons: the quality of the pre-med education is fantastic, and it equipped me with the knowledge and skills that made me ready for the firehose of information in medical school,” he said.
“The mentors I had at Pitt State got me through tough times in my career leading up to big tests and interviews for medical school acceptance. On top of this, it is extremely affordable.”
Cass Bowen (BS Biology, '18) and her husband Jayden went through the couples’ match, which links residency program preferences together, and are “ecstatic” about their destination: Dallas-Fort Worth.
They’re headed to John Peter Smith and UT Southwestern.
As high school sweethearts from small towns in Kansas and inspired by small-town doctors, they attended Pitt State together as part of the Honors College Association.
“My time in the Honors College, with Dr. Craig Fuchs as our director, was incredible. We still keep in touch with our Biology professors and of course the amazing friends we made in Gorilla Nation,” said Bowen, who started in Nursing at Pitt State before changing majors.
“I’ll never forget the support I received from Drs. Barbara McClaskey and Bailey Kuhlman when I realized medicine was the right path for me. Pitt State is a huge part of our story and remains a strong support system for us. I wouldn’t change a thing!”
Sarah Wilkinson (BS Biology '21) matched with Alliance Health Durant in Durant, Oklahoma.
“I felt incredibly excited and thrilled when I opened my letter,” Wilkinson said. “I couldn't wait to start this new chapter in my career.”
She hopes to practice family medicine in a rural community where she can make a meaningful difference by providing comprehensive, patient-centered care.
“I’m incredibly glad I started my journey at Pitt State. It truly laid a solid foundation for my medical school education, and I’m deeply grateful for that,” she said.
“The professors were not only knowledgeable but also incredibly supportive, always making themselves available to guide and encourage me. The curriculum prepared me very well and facilitated my transition into medical school. The supportive community was instrumental in helping me find volunteer and shadowing opportunities, which played a key role in my medical school application process.”
Drake Shaw (BS Biology '20) matched with his first choice at KCU Joplin – Freeman Health System.
“I was very excited when I matched as it was my first choice; my wife and I were so excited for the opportunity to move back closer to home,” he said.
Shaw’s goal is to do critical care medicine and work in the ICU.
“I am very glad I started my journey at Pitt State and am very grateful for the education and support I received during my time there,” he said. “I felt very prepared as I transitioned into medical school.”
Biology Chair Christine Brodsky said faculty are incredibly proud of alumni who have matched with residency programs across the country.
“This milestone is a testament to their dedication, perseverance, and passion for medicine,” she said.
But it's also an exciting moment for faculty, she noted.
“Our faculty take great pride in seeing their former students succeed! We send our congratulations and best wishes to all as they embark on their next chapter and continued successes in their medical careers.”
Ryan Asauskas
Edith Sigler
Haylie Yost
Higginbotham Brothers
Ethan Snider
