Leah Frischmann and Zach Gunderson met at the Indiana University School of Medicine “Doctor Prom” during their first year of medical school and have supported each other through all the ups and downs along the way.
It was important for them to stay together for the next step of their training as medical residents—and they both wanted to stay at IU. On Match Day, March 18, they were excited and relieved to learn they got their wish.
Both matched at IU School of Medicine—Frischmann in obstetrics and gynecology and Gunderson in orthopaedic surgery.
“I think inherently you have more nerves when you are couples matching, but we both tried to put a lot of hard work in, and so we were just hoping for the best,” said Frischmann, an Indianapolis native. “We just couldn’t be more excited to match together.
For Gunderson, staying at IU means he will not only be with Frischmann but also with his two best friends, who were classmates at IU School of Medicine and also matched to residency programs at IU.
“It's just going to be an incredible five years,” said Gunderson, who’s from Highland, Indiana.
On Match Day, 119 IU School of Medicine students matched into programs in Indiana, including to IU School of Medicine or IU Health-affiliated residencies.
“This means Indiana will continue to benefit from their medical expertise, and they will be more likely to reside and work here after completing their training,” said IU President Pamela Whitten in her Written by Whitten blog.
What led you to choose your specialty?
Frischmann: I have always really loved women's health and surgery, and so I'm pursuing OB/GYN with the intent of doing one of the surgical subspecialties.
Gunderson: I have loved orthopedics ever since I started in med school. You know, I spent a lot of time as a kid working in the garage with my dad, and that's kind of how it led me here.
What are you most looking forward to in your residency?
Frischmann: I'm just so excited to finally get to start doing what I'm passionate about and making the next move for the rest of my life.
Gunderson: I think just getting to know my classmates, getting to learn so much, and finally getting to practice what I want to do for the rest of my life.
Is there a specific faculty member who has particularly inspired and encouraged you along the way?
Frischmann: Dr. Rouse and Dr. Shanks have been very supportive throughout this entire process, helping get research projects done or just calming any nerves when it comes to residency.
Gunderson: Dr. Roman Natoli, he’s been an awesome inspiration and a guiding force.
What has been the highlight of your time at IU School of Medicine?
Frischmann: I would say meeting Zach!
