The IUPUI Campus Center buzzed with nervous energy as hundreds of IU School of Medicine students and their families gathered to learn where they will go next for their residency programs. The annual Match Day brought many shouts of joy and happy tears as red envelopes were opened precisely at noon on March 18, revealing medical students’ destinations after graduation.
Many IU School of Medicine students matched to top residency programs throughout the nation, with 78 matching to institutions ranked in the top 25 by U.S. News and World Report. Matches included:
- Midwest: Northwestern, Washington University, University of Chicago, Michigan, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic
- South: Duke, UT Southwestern, University of Virginia, Vanderbilt
- West: Stanford, Colorado, UC San Diego
- East: Harvard, NYU, Einstein, Pittsburgh
Amid all the excitement in the room, some of these outstanding medical students shared their feelings about their matches.
Grant VanNess
Hometown: Fort Wayne
Specialty: Pediatrics
Match location: Mayo Clinic
How are you feeling about your Match?
Pretty excited—can't wait. I love pediatrics, so I'm happy to be able to pursue what I would love to do at a place that I think is one of the best in the world. I'm just super happy to be able to learn medicine the right way at the right place.
What led you to choose pediatrics as your specialty?
I get a big sense of fulfillment out of working with kids. I really feel like I can do a lot of good in making sure they live happy, healthy lives as healthy children, building good habits and becoming healthy adults.
What are you most looking forward to in residency?
I'm looking forward to the patients I'm going to be able to impact on an even greater level than I have as a med student and really be a part of their lives. And I'm looking forward to meeting my colleagues and kind of growing into the role of a doctor.
What's been the highlight of your time at IU school of medicine?
The highlight was my time working at Riley (Children’s Hospital). I mean, there was never a bad day over there, and it really inspired my passion for pediatrics.
Is there any faculty member who has particularly inspired you and encouraged you along the way?
I might not be where I am today without the influence of all the amazing doctors over at Riley. Dr. Jean Molleston is my role model.
Shannon Killeen
Hometown: Bloomington
Specialty: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Match location: Harvard Medical School
How are you feeling about your Match?
I feel amazing—I really wanted to match at Harvard. I was nervous, and it's just relief right now. I'm so excited.
What led you to choose physical medicine and rehabilitation as your specialty?
I have a really amazing mentor here at IU named Dr. Sara Cartwright. I just keep following in her footsteps, or at least trying to.
What are you most looking forward to in residency?
I'm looking forward to getting more confident and finally stepping into that role of physician and getting to work with patients.
How prepared do you feel going into residency?
I'm very nervous, but I feel prepared.
Shaneise Ellis
Hometown: Fort Wayne
Specialty: Pediatrics
Match location: Northwestern University
How are you feeling about your Match?
I'm so excited with my match. I couldn’t be happier.
What led you to choose pediatrics as your specialty?
Treating children and watching them get better just fills me with so much joy, and I couldn't imagine myself being anywhere else.
What's been the highlight of your time at IU school of medicine?
I think my highlight was meeting so many amazing people, having so many great mentors who just encouraged me every day. I'll miss them most as I’m moving to Chicago.
Is there any faculty member who has particularly inspired you and encouraged you along the way?
Absolutely, Dr. Klemsz has been a motivator. She has pushed me. And she makes me want to be a pediatrician just like her.
