Match 2025 was another huge success for DO students and graduates. Here we share some of the stories from those who matched this year, and advice for those who will match in 2026 and beyond. Congratulations again to the 8,049 DO seniors and graduates who matched!
Kate Bailey
Graduating from: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: Child Neurology, Cleveland Clinic
My story: I believe my osteopathic training will allow me to be an empathetic, evidence-based pediatric neurologist who is able to deliver high quality, culturally competent care to all.
Cheyennae Barbee
Graduating from: Lincoln Memorial University- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: Internal Medicine, Indiana University Indianapolis
My story: My osteopathic training allows me to take a more empathetic and holistic approach to treating patients. My education has made it easier to diagnose without using imaging or tests. Simply listening to the patient and doing a good physical exam can give you a lot of answers!
Megan Crotts
Graduating from: A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: Surgery, St. Mary’s KCU Kansas City
My story: My career thus far has been taught by DO surgeons, and I look forward to continuing to be trained by DO surgeons! I feel confident that being a DO made me work harder to go into surgery, and I’m grateful!
Zachary Dickey
Graduating from: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Louisiana
Matched to: PM&R, University of Miami
My story: In my opinion, no specialty better embodies the philosophy of osteopathic medicine than physiatry. We focus on promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, regardless of the severity of an ailment. Through an integrative approach, we aim to restore health by using medical and manipulative techniques to optimize the body’s physiologic state, facilitating its natural ability to heal and regenerate.
Sophie Hockran
Graduating from: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: Surgery, St. Elizabeth Youngstown, Ohio
My story: I firmly believe that my osteopathic training has prepared me exceptionally well for the next chapter of my medical career. As I look ahead to residency, I’m grounded not only in the core principles that will guide my clinical practice but also in the invaluable mentorship and support of peers who have shaped my journey. Even within the surgical field, osteopathic medicine has taught me to explore beyond the immediate pathology to see the whole patient, understand their story, and build meaningful connections. It’s about meeting patients where they are and addressing the social determinants of health that may have led them to my operating room. I’m eager to apply the skills and knowledge I’ve gained at CUSOM and through the osteopathic philosophy to become the most thoughtful, compassionate, and skilled surgeon I can be.
Whitley Figge
Graduating from: A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: General Surgery, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital
My story: My osteopathic training will assist me in practicing with compassion, treating patients as people, and maintaining humanism at the forefront of patient care.
Christopher Gray
Graduating from: Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: Emergency Medicine, Prisma Health/UofSC School of Medicine Greenville
My story: The osteopathic tenant of the “Body is a unit; the person is a unit of body, mind, and spirit.” allows me to see a patient beyond the chief complaint and address not only physical distress but acknowledge the toll it takes on the entire body. I have a unique match as a non-traditional student.
I began nursing in 2013. I wanted to pursue medical school but was advised by a pre-med advisor to try nursing to see if medicine was what I wanted to pursue or NP school. After a couple of years, I decided to begin a DIY post-baccalaureate before being accepted into the University of Florida Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate Program. I completed the program within 18 months, but, unfortunately, didn’t get into medical school due to a low MCAT score. I regrouped back to my old nursing job in Nashville, where I got into research. I attempted one last time to apply before getting to a Master’s of Biomedical Science program and was accepted.
During medical school, my wife and I had two kids, worked PRN at local hospitals while attending medical school. My wife is a year below me also applying emergency medicine. We met in Florida where I worked during my post-baccalaureate program. I have always been an ER nurse and have never worked nursing outside of an emergency department. Emergency Medicine is a specialty which I will value for the rest of my career.
There are many challenges we face now and will face in the future, but I know it is the right specialty for me. I applied to 29 programs and got 12 interviews. I auditioned at two programs, which were my top two choices.
Rachel Hines
Graduating from: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: Psychiatry, University of Missouri Columbia
My story: My osteopathic training will help me to treat my patients’ body, mind, and spirit. We are the sum of our parts, and treating the whole person is the bedrock of psychiatry!
Lauren Kostandaras
Graduating from: Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: OB/GYN, Summa Health
My story: Becoming a DO was always plan A for me. The holistic approach to caring for patients and listening to their stories is how I practice my own healthcare as a patient and long to practice as a soon-to-be DO entering my residency training. I couldn’t be more proud and honored to graduate as an osteopathic physician and carry with me the core components of what it means to be a DO for the rest of my career as an OB/GYN!
Sonia Nemani
Graduating from: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Middletown
Matched to: PM&R, SUNY Upstate
My story: I’m excited to start my residency journey! Everything I’ve learned until now, including all the highs and lows, has prepared me to be a knowledgeable and compassionate physician.
Christopher Rennie
Graduating from: Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: Orthopedic Surgery, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
My story: I think my osteopathic training gave me a unique connection to anatomy and movement. I felt a deep understanding of the way the body functions, and in orthopedics that’s paramount. Additionally, my palpation skills, physical exams, and MSK evaluations were a strong point in my auditions!
Jake Roush
Graduating from: Rocky Vista University – Southern Utah
Matched to: Family Medicine, University of Florida
My story: I love osteopathic medicine. I fell in love with OMT early on and was an osteopathic fellow at my school. Osteopathic tenets emphasize the connection between body, mind, and spirit. Everything in the body is connected. Osteopathic medicine teaches you to look past the lab values and simple exam results. It pushes you to dive deeper to heal the patient, and I know that will help me become a successful family physician!
Elias Samona
Graduating from: Marian University Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: Anesthesiology, University of Michigan
My story: Being trained as an osteopathic medical student taught me to see the whole person behind every diagnosis. That perspective has shaped how I connect with patients, especially in vulnerable moments.
P. Drake Short
Graduating from: Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched to: PM&R, University of Louisville
My story: In my chosen field of rehabilitation medicine, a holistic approach to functional improvement is necessary! Thankfully, OSU-COM has provided a strong osteopathic foundation that I am eager to apply in my patient interactions in residency.
Skylar Taylor
Graduating from: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Louisiana
Matched to: Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, LSU New Orleans
My story: Overall, I believe my osteopathic training has given me a solid base for a thorough physical exam and feeling comfortable with identifying and differentiating musculoskeletal complaints from other pathologies. I’m also excited to use my osteopathic training when it comes to allergy, cold, and flu season as there are simple techniques to help sinus drainage that patients and parents can be taught to help give some relief at home.
As someone who has grown up in southeast Louisiana, it’s impossible not to know Charity Hospital. I remember how selfless the physicians, nurses, RT, med techs, and many more were after Hurricane Katrina. It was inspiring, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that. I was given the opportunity to audition and felt right at home. I do have to thank some wonderful DO mentors/residents for being a part of that, Dr. Alex Sappington and Dr. Lauren Blasen.