Graduation marks the end of medical school, but it is only the beginning of the years of training ahead. Each year, graduating medical students eagerly await Match Day, a pivotal milestone in their journey to becoming physicians. This nationwide event determines where they will complete their residency training.
While most of the Class of 2025 will learn what residency programs they “matched” with on Match Day, March 21, select specialties like ophthalmology and urology—two very competitive fields—conduct early matches. There is also an early military match for medical students in the armed services.
Meet our early matches
Bria George
Hometown: Miami, FL
Undergrad College: Florida Agricultural & Medical University
Specialty: Ophthalmology
Residency Match: University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
Why did you choose this specialty?
“I love everything about ophthalmology. It involves medicine, surgery, and the ability to truly enhance a patient's quality of life. I think vision is so important because it affects the way we experience the world. I am very excited to train at the University of Louisville!”
Nikhita Yadlapalli
Age: 27
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Undergrad College: University of Florida
Specialty: Ophthalmology
Residency Match: University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL
Why did you choose this specialty?
“I chose ophthalmology because it's the perfect blend of everything I love—surgery, clinic days, global health, and amazing technology. There is so much joy in improving someone's vision and every day feels like an opportunity to make a difference. I’m super excited to start my journey at UF Jax where I’ll get to serve the community I grew up in!”
Armin Ghomeshi
Age: 27
Hometown: Miami, FL
Undergrad College: University of California, Los Angeles
Specialty: Urology
Residency Match: Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
Why did you choose this specialty?
- The personalities in urology (great sense of humor)
- A mixture of complex surgeries, shorter operations, and in-office procedures
- Opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients and make a meaningful impact on their quality of life
Ciara Lusnia
Age: 27
Hometown: Clearwater, FL
Undergrad College: University of Florida
Specialty: Urology
Residency Match: Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL
Why did you choose this specialty?
“Urology was my first rotation in my third year of medical school, and I immediately fell in love with the specialty. I was drawn to the opportunity to be deeply involved in patient care across a wide range of cases. Helping women, men, and pediatric patients with diverse urologic conditions has been incredibly rewarding. Urology combines my passions for problem-solving and surgery while allowing me to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives. I am thrilled to be training at Mount Sinai and look forward to mentoring others who are considering this field!”
Hannah Baker
Age: 27
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Undergrad College: University of Florida
Specialty: Urology
Residency Match: University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
Why did you choose this specialty?
“I didn’t know I wanted to pursue urology until the end of my third year of medical school. I was assigned to an elective in Urologic Oncology with Dr. Manoharan at the Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, and it changed my whole career trajectory. I immediately loved how hands-on the specialty was—whether it was in-office procedures or major cases in the operating room—it was so stimulating. Even as a surgical subspecialty, there is longevity of care. You get to form special relationships with your patients. Not to mention how great the personalities in the field are. I loved working with everyone I got to meet along the way! I’m so thankful for the overwhelming support I’ve received from my mentors in the field and am excited for the future!”
Ronscardy F. Mondesir
Age: 26
Hometown: Miami, FL
Undergrad College: Miami Dade Community College & FIU Honors College
Specialty: Urology
Residency Match: Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA
Why did you choose this specialty?
“I was born and raised in Haiti until I was 16. My mother is a pharmacist, and because of her, I spent a lot of time working with Doctors Without Borders, which frequently conducted humanitarian work in the province of Gonaives. One day, I witnessed a medical emergency where a urologist heroically saved a young child’s life. That moment sparked my curiosity about the field. When I moved to the U.S., I was fortunate to receive mentorship from Dr. Gousse, a renowned urologist, as well as many others from the Columbia University Division of Urology at Mount Sinai and the Baptist Miami Cancer Institute Urologic Oncology team. Through their guidance, I gained exposure to all aspects of urology—from groundbreaking minimally invasive prostate surgeries to treating men and women with urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction. I also grew to appreciate the ability to balance a strong research presence with clinical practice, which further deepened my love for the field. Lastly, I feel a strong calling to inspire strong motivated immigrants and underserved communities in the U.S. to pursue careers in this incredible surgical subspecialty.”
Zachary Blashinsky
Age: 27
Hometown: Sarasota, FL
Undergrad: Florida State University
Specialty: Orthopedic Surgery
Residency Match: Tripler Army Center, Honolulu, HI
Why did you choose this specialty?
“I was drawn to this specialty because of the powerful impact of surgery—helping people regain the ability to do both the activities they need to do and the ones they love. As an Army physician, I’m especially excited to care for military athletes and support them in accomplishing their mission to defend our nation.”