Perfect Match! FIU Medicine Class of 2025 celebrates Match Day

It was a perfect South Florida day— sunny and cool— for a perfect Match Day at FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.

Match Day is when graduating medical students learn where they will continue their training. This highly anticipated event signals the end of their medical school education and the beginning of specialized training or residency. Students are matched with a residency program in their chosen field, a culmination of years of hard work and dedication.

See photos from Match Day 2025

"There were moments when I didn't think I would make it to this day," said Caroline Ezekwesili, a Boston native who applied to medical school twice before earning a master's degree and trying again. "FIU gave me a chance, and now I'm proud to say I did it." Ezekwesili will return home to train in psychiatry at Harvard South Shore. 

This Match Day was perfect—the FIU Medicine Class of 2025 achieved the College's third consecutive 100% match rate, with each student securing a residency after graduation, a critical step in a budding physician's career. Most states, including Florida, require a minimum of one year of residency training to become a licensed physician, and competition is fierce. This year more than 52,000 applicants competed for 47,000 residency slots.

Carlos Lezcano is one of six FIU students who matched into the newly established Florida International University/Baptist Health Residency programs. He looks forward to training to become a neurologist in the city where he grew up. "I'm excited for what the future holds and grateful to stay close to my family," he said. 

The College of Medicine's alliance with Baptist Health is addressing the physician shortage by creating at least 22 graduate medical education programs targeting specialty areas facing a supply-and-demand gap. Neurology is one of several programs launched this year along with internal medicine, diagnostic radiology and general surgery. Baptist Health leadership was on hand to celebrate their newest trainees.

"Ultimately, I realized I wanted to stay where I trained and where most of my support system is," said Daniela Vasquez, a Tampa native and one of four FIU students who matched into pediatrics at Nicklaus Children's Hospital. "Gaining exposure to pediatrics at Nicklaus and now having the opportunity to train there feels like a full-circle moment."

Last month, the College of Medicine and Nicklaus Children's Health System announced a strategic affiliation to create the region's only pediatric academic hospital, which will enhance expert pediatric care in South Florida and beyond. Nicklaus Children's leadership was also on hand to welcome their new matches.

Key Match Day Stats

With 137 students, the Class of 2025 is FIU's largest MD class. These future physicians are ready to make a nationwide impact, securing residencies across 25 states. Almost 50% matched into primary care specialties, with others securing highly competitive residency specialties, including ophthalmology, dermatology, orthopedic surgery and urology.

"Step into this next phase with an open heart," Dr. Juan C. Cendan, dean of the College of Medicine, told the soon-to-be doctors. "Learn from the physicians and patients who will guide you along your journey." 

Notably, nearly half of the class will continue their medical training in Florida, with 31% staying in South Florida. This is especially significant given the critical nationwide physician shortage. Studies show that most young doctors settle where they complete their residencies, and one of the college's missions is to train doctors to practice in the community.