Match Day 2025:
Three New Interns Join Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency Program

Medical School: Stanford University School of Medicine

Undergraduate School: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

What was your experience like during the interviewing and matching process?
It was an incredible experience to have interviews held in person this year for the first time since the pandemic. Not only did we have the opportunity to meet with so many of the leaders and pioneers in our field across the country, but we also bonded and built friendships with the people who will be colleagues for the rest of our careers.

What do you enjoy most about the field of cardiothoracic surgery?
In the words of my alma mater’s motto - mens et manus. To be a cardiothoracic surgeon is to marry an understanding of spatial geometry and circulatory hemodynamics to technical skill and efficiency. There is no greater privilege than to operate at the highest level with both mind and hand in healing the human body. Cardiovascular disease is perhaps the greatest killer on this planet, and we, as cardiothoracic surgeons, have the honor of standing as the last line of defense.

What do you look forward to about training at Stanford?
Training at Stanford offers an unparalleled spirit of camaraderie, friendly competition, and innovation. It takes a village to get a patient through open heart surgery, and it has simply been a joy to work with all of the kind, talented, and dedicated people on the team here. I could not be more excited to join such a remarkable group of residents and to learn from some of the greatest cardiothoracic surgeons of our time.

Undergraduate School: Harvard College

Medical School: Harvard Medical School

What was your experience like during the interviewing and matching process?
The interviewing and matching process was both humbling and invigorating. It offered a unique opportunity to connect with incredible faculty, residents, and students across the country who share a deep commitment to excellence in cardiothoracic surgery. Throughout the process, I was struck by the collaborative spirit and innovation that define the field. Matching at a program like Stanford—renowned for its legacy of leadership, culture of innovation, and deep commitment to resident development—was a dream come true.

What do you enjoy most about the field of cardiothoracic surgery?
What draws me most to cardiothoracic surgery is its unique blend of technical precision, complex pathophysiology, and profound patient impact. It’s a field where you’re constantly challenged intellectually, technically, and emotionally—all in service of guiding patients through some of the most critical moments in their lives. It is also a dynamic specialty, continuously evolving through the integration of new technologies and innovative approaches to treat cardiothoracic diseases. The pace of advancement, particularly in areas like mechanical circulatory support and heart/lung transplantation, makes this an especially exciting time to enter the field.

What do you look forward to about training at Stanford?
I look forward to training at Stanford because of its extraordinary legacy of leadership and innovation in cardiothoracic surgery. The program is known for its academic rigor, clinical excellence, and a culture that deeply values mentorship and collaboration. I’m eager to learn from faculty who are nationally recognized not only for their surgical expertise but also for their commitment to resident education and professional growth. I’m equally excited to contribute to cutting-edge research that advances the field while training alongside co-residents who share a deep passion for shaping the future of the specialty. To be part of an institution that continually pushes the boundaries of cardiothoracic surgery is a true privilege.

Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Undergraduate/Graduate School: University of Pennsylvania

What was your experience like during the interviewing and matching process?
I thoroughly enjoyed the interview process. It was an incredible honor to meet experts from across the country and learn about the diverse approaches to operative and academic training at different programs. The camaraderie that developed among our group of co-applicants was also remarkable; we traveled for interviews and even attended a conference together, creating lasting memories and friendships.

What do you enjoy most about the field of cardiothoracic surgery?
What I enjoy most about cardiothoracic surgery is that it blends clinical expertise with technical skills and can significantly impact the lives of critically ill patients. I was initially drawn to the field during my preclinical exposure to the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, but as I learned more about cardiothoracic surgery, I developed an appreciation for the clinical complexity of the patient population and the technically demanding nature of the operations. Cardiothoracic surgeons also work with some of the most critically ill patients and tackle diseases that have a wide-reaching impact on many lives.

What do you look forward to about training at Stanford?
I look forward to the incredible academic and operative training at Stanford. I am excited to learn clinical and technical skills from the field’s leading experts while having unparalleled academic opportunities to pursue translational research in the field. Beyond the training, the faculty's dedication to mentorship and the close-knit resident community create an ideal environment for professional and personal growth. I am incredibly excited to be part of the Stanford family!