Celebrating Match 2026 with 23 ElevateMeD Scholars

#MATCH2026

ElevateMeD is proud to celebrate our twenty-three (23) ElevateMeD Scholars on their #MatchDay2026 results!

“Match Day is when domestic and international medical school students and graduates learn in which U.S. residency programs they will train. Match Day marks the end of Match Week and is a widely embraced, ceremonial opportunity for participants to join friends, family, and peers and reflect on their accomplishments as they begin the transition to careers as young physicians.”

— Nrmp.org

Since our Scholars Program launched in 2020:

We’ve welcomed 90 students into the program.
In 2021, five (5) Scholars from our inaugural cohort graduated and successfully matched at programs across the country.
In 2022, eight (8) Scholars graduated and successfully matched at programs across the country, with six matching at their #1 choice.
In 2023, ten (10) Scholars graduated and successfully matched at programs across the country, with eight matching at their #1 choice.
In 2024, thirteen (13) Scholars graduated and successfully matched at programs across the country, with seven matching at their #1 choice.
In 2025, twenty-three (23) Scholars graduated and successfully matched at programs across the country, with thirteen matching at their #1 choice.
This year, twenty-three (23) ElevateMeD Scholars matched into residency programs of their choice:
- with fourteen (14) Scholars matching at their #1 choice
- and six (6) Scholars matching within their top five choice

80% of Scholars matched within their top 5 ranked programs

Class of 2026

We look forward to these scholars graduating this Spring and venturing into the next chapter on their journey to medicine.

Adam Brown
2025-26 Cohort, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
Residency: Emergency Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center
Ayo Osunjimi
2025-26 Cohort, UT Southwestern Medical School
Residency: Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center
Aly Toure
2025-26 Cohort, Emory University School of Medicine
Residency: Orthopedic Surgery at Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program
Annie Ferguson
2025-26 Cohort, University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences
Residency: OB/GYN at Oregon Health & Science University
Ariel Walker
2025-26 Cohort, Wayne State University School of Medicine
Residency: General Surgery Preliminary at SBH Health System Bronx
Chikodi Ohaya
2025-26 Cohort, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix
Residency: Internal Medicine at University of California Riverside School of Medicine
Christopher Corona
2024-25 Cohort, Texas Christian University School of Medicine
Residency: Pediatrics at Los Angeles General Medical Center / University of Southern California (USC)
Czarina Retana
2025-26 Cohort, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson
Residency: OB/GYN at University of New Mexico
Dante Puntiel
2025-26 Cohort, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine
Residency: Anesthesia at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medicine
Elizette Rodriguez
2025-26 Cohort, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: OB/GYN at Memorial Healthcare System - Hollywood
Godgive Umozurike
2025-26 Cohort, East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine
Residency: Internal Medicine/Psychiatry at Medical University of South Carolina
Isaiah Hughes
2025-26 Cohort, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery at Mayo Clinic - Minnesota
Jada Lusk
2025-26 Cohort, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences
Residency: Family Medicine at SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital
Jerry Shepherd
2025-26 Cohort, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Residency: Neurosurgery at Rush University Medical Center
Jessica Norman
2025-26 Cohort, University of Illinois College of Medicine
Residency: Internal Medicine/Health Equity & Disparities Track at Kaiser Permanente - Oakland
Keleb Mehari
2025-26 Cohort, Howard University College of Medicine
Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery at George Washington School of Medicine
Leonida Radford
2023-24 Cohort, University of Washington School of Medicine
Residency: Psychiatry at University of Washington
Melba Avalos
2025-26 Cohort, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Psychiatry at Baptist Health / University of Arkansas
Naomi Coles
2025-26 Cohort, Morehouse School of Medicine
Residency: Internal Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine
Onyinye Okonma
2023-24 Cohort, Morehouse School of Medicine
Residency: Internal Medicine at Wellstar Spalding Health Center
Ruth Amaku
2025-26 Cohort, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville
Residency: Family Medicine at Memorial Hermann - Texas Medical Center
Shane Scott
2025-26 Cohort, The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Residency: Integrated Cardiothoracic Surgery at University of Maryland Medical Center
Shelby Snyder
2025-26 Cohort, University of Washington School of Medicine
Residency: OB/GYN at University of Wisconsin (Madison, WI)

Class of 2025

Class of 2024

Class of 2023

Class of 2022

Class of 2021

Features, Match DayElevateMeDApril 20, 2026ElevateMeDElevateMeD Quick Links, Caylan Moore, ElevateMeD Scholars, 2024, Aonesti Williams, Marcus Childs, Megan Corn, Evans Osuji, Oluwatoyosi Arogbokun, Samantha Rosa, Georginia Dominique, Michael Megafu, Duke University Medical Center, University of California Davis, Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Conneticut, University of Minnesota, Harvard, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Jordan Edwards, Ejehi Erewele, Brown University, Highland Hospital, Cooper University Hospital, Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedic Surgery, Family Medicine, OB/GYN, Pediatrics, Urology, Black urologist, Black anesthesiologist, Anesthesiology, Neurosurgery, Black Neurosurgeon, Black doctors, medicina, doctoras, Native American doctors, Native Physician, Native American Physician, Native American doctor, Match Day, Match 2024, Match 2025, Emily Plumage, Emily Sowah, Gloria Garcia, Jahlecia Gregory, Jaylyn Thompson, Kenneth Clark, Kendra Roland, Owen Sáenz, Sarah Rasmussen-Rehkopf, Sydni Williams, Perpetuah Sherman, Alexis Booker, Ailyn Clara, Paul Delgado, Sonia Pulido, 2026, Match 2026

News Spotlights

Scholar Spotlights

News

Emory University School of Medicine

ElevateMeD Scholar: Aly Toure

Emory University School of Medicine

Aly Toure was shaped by his upbringing in Mali, where he witnessed family members struggle with treatable conditions due to limited healthcare infrastructure.

Emory University School of Medicine

Morehouse School of Medicine

ElevateMeD Scholar: Naomi Coles

Morehouse School of Medicine

Naomi Coles was inspired to pursue a career in medicine after witnessing loved ones battle illnesses like cancer and heart disease. These experiences opened her eyes to the importance of access, awareness, and quality care across communities.

Morehouse School of Medicine

East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine

ElevateMeD Scholar: Godgive Umozurike

East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine

Godgive Umozurike reflects on the power of names and how hers was misunderstood by others. But through witnessing her mother’s struggle during a traumatic episode, she discovered the true strength behind her own name and the deeper meaning of healing.

East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine

New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

ElevateMeD Scholar: Melba Avalos

New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

Melba Avalos shares her non-traditional path to medicine and the power of seeds of hope planted by the people around us. Her journey is a reminder that encouragement—no matter how small—can change the course of someone’s life.

New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

The Ohio State University College of Medicine

ElevateMeD Scholar: Shane Scott

The Ohio State University College of Medicine

Shane Scott has seen the effects of delayed healthcare and delayed diagnosis, and is inspired to become part of the solution.

The Ohio State University College of Medicine

Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences

ElevateMeD Scholar: Jada Lusk

Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences

Jada Lusk first became interested in medicine through her own personal medical history. Now, she is passionate about providing the same level of compassionate care she received.

Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

ElevateMeD Scholar: Jerry Shepherd

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Jerry Shepherd was introduced to the endless possibilities of medicine when he suffered from neuroinflammation as a pediatric patient. This personal experience has inspired Jerry to become a neurosurgeon and to inspire youth in his community.

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

UT Southwestern Medical School

ElevateMeD Scholar: Adurape Osunjimi

UT Southwestern Medical School

Adurape "Ayo" Osunjimi shares the stories that inspired him to pursue a career in medicine, experiences that shed light on the real-life financial barriers that impact access to care, and plans to mitigate these challenges by providing resources and compassionate care.

UT Southwestern Medical School

University of Washington School of Medicine

ElevateMeD Scholar: Shelby Snyder

University of Washington School of Medicine

Shelby Snyder was inspired to pursue medicine by watching her father integrate cultural knowledge with Western medicine. She now aspires to embody that same spirit as a future provider, serving Native communities as an uplifting and empowering presence.

University of Washington School of Medicine

University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences

ElevateMeD Scholar: Annie Ferguson

University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences

Annie Ferguson chose a career in medicine to help bridge healthcare gaps in communities where cultural competency is rare. Her passion for creating positive change and inspiring young women to pursue medicine continues to light the way toward a brighter, more inclusive future!

University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences

Donor Spotlights

News

Truist Partners with ElevateMeD to Increase Financial Literacy

We are proud to recognize Truist as a major sponsor of Ignite Atlanta 2026 and a valued partner in advancing our mission to support the next generation of physician leaders. From financial wellness trainings for our Scholars to partnering in community events, Truist continues to stand with us.

Strengthening the ElevateMeD Scholars Program Through Partnership

Dr. David and Betty Gullen are dedicated supporters of ElevateMeD whose partnership plays a critical role in strengthening the foundation of the ElevateMeD Scholars Program.

The Cagnolatti Daniels Family Foundation commits to ElevateMeD

Lisa Cagnolatti, on behalf of her husband Ed and The Cagnolatti Daniels Family Foundation, underscored the urgent need for culturally competent care and the critical importance of supporting ElevateMeD’s mission.

The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation Partners with ElevateMeD

What does The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation and #ElevateMeD have in common? A commitment to HEALTH EQUITY!

"The Many" of Mayo Clinic

Watch remarks from Mayo Clinic CEO in Arizona, Dr. Richard Gray shared remarks this year and was introduced by 2024-25 ElevateMeD Scholar and 4th year Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine medical student, Casey Martinez.

How Student Organizations Like @OhioAMSA Help Support ElevateMeD

Student organizations like Ohio University American Medical Student Association help us engage bright minds and expand our reach. These organizations are filled with future physicians who will become leaders, thinkers, and doers. We must not only look for ways to partner with these student organizations but also continue to encourage and support them along their physician journey.

Why Council & Associates Gives.

Each year since 2019, Council and Associates LLC has risen to the occasion to become an event sponsor for our Explosion of a Dream and Ignite Atlanta scholarship events. We asked owner, Lashonda Council-Rogers, Esq., to share the why behind her generous giving and to give a view of what she experiences attending ElevateMeD events as a sponsor.

Walton Isaacson Helps ElevateMeD Support The Future of Medicine

Founded in 2006, Walton Isaacson is one of the most respected advertising agencies in the world, having worked with clients such as Lexus, McDonalds, and Amazon to name a few.

Love, Tito’s Continues Support of ElevateMeD Mission During Black History Month

Thank you #LoveTitos for continuing to support our mission and acknowledging the work that we are doing to elevate the field of medicine!

All Medical Personnel donates over $43,000 to ElevateMeD

All Medical Personnel’s partnership with ElevateMeD continues with a generous donation of $43,000 in 2022. In 2021, $52,647 was raised totaling over $95,000 for the past two years.

RICARDO CORREA, MD, EDD, FACP, FACE, FACMQ

Health Care Disparities and the Latinx Population (Read Article)

MARISSA VASQUEZ, MD, MBA

Latinas in Motion Impacting the Sports Industry (Read Article)

News

ElevateMeD

Passion Proven Leadership at ElevateMeD

ElevateMeD

Jeff joined ElevateMeD in February 2025 from Columbia, South Carolina bringing infectious passion, proven leadership, and decades of successful nonprofit leadership.

ElevateMeD

ElevateMeD Welcomes Three New Advisory Board Members

ElevateMeD

Please join us in welcoming our newest Advisory Board members…

ElevateMeD

ElevateMeD Welcomes Four New Advisory Board Members

ElevateMeD

Please join us in welcoming our newest Advisory Board members…

ElevateMeD

ElevateMeD Welcomes Our Newest Board Member Dr. Jeshenna Watkins

ElevateMeD

Please join us in welcoming our newest Board Member…

ElevateMeD

ElevateMeD Welcomes Four New Advisory Board Members

ElevateMeD

Please join us in welcoming our newest Advisory Board members…

ElevateMeD

Keiona Eady

Congratulations to our Advisory Board Members on #Match2022!

Keiona Eady

Congratulations are in order for our Advisory Board Members Sophia Ederaine and Johanny Lopez Dominguez! We were honored to celebrate with them this #MatchDay2022, as they both learned about their residency upon graduation this Spring!

Keiona Eady

Alyx Porter Umphrey, MD, FAAN

Dr. Alyx Porter Umphrey Receives the 2020 Dean's Diversity/Inclusion Award at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

Alyx Porter Umphrey, MD, FAAN

Ricardo Correa MD, EsD, FACP, FACE, CMQ

It was not easy for me

Ricardo Correa MD, EsD, FACP, FACE, CMQ

I decided to join the Board of Directors for ElevateMeD because it aligns with my core value of inclusion. The literature showed that to provide the best healthcare to our patients, we need to understand their culture, speak their language, among other factors.

Ricardo Correa MD, EsD, FACP, FACE, CMQ

Gyasi Chisley, PMP, FACHE

The time to transform healthcare is now!

Gyasi Chisley, PMP, FACHE

Healthcare is my ministry. It is a calling and my inroad to impact social change. I firmly believe that any disparity within our industry serves as a microcosm for injustices that continue to plague society-at-large. I am on a mission to truly transform healthcare and looking to partner with anyone that shares the same mindset.

Gyasi Chisley, PMP, FACHE

Tiffany Hardaway MD, MS

You can't be what you can't see.

Tiffany Hardaway MD, MS

I chose to pursue a career in anesthesiology because I enjoy moment-to-moment decision making as well as the practical application of physiology and pharmacology. 3% of anesthesiologists are reported to identify as Black/African-American. Of those 3%, the majority are women.

Tiffany Hardaway MD, MS