The Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine is proud to recognize three students who have secured early residency matches in two of medicine’s most competitive specialties—ophthalmology and urology.
Graduation marks the conclusion of medical school, but it also signals the start of the next phase of training. Each year, students look forward to Match Day, a defining moment in their path to becoming physicians. This nationwide process determines where graduates will continue their residency training.
While most of the MD Class of 2026 will find out their residency placements on National Match Day, March 20, certain specialties—such as ophthalmology and urology—hold separate matches.
As we celebrate these early matches, we also extend best wishes to the rest of the class as they await the official Match Day.
Meet our early matches
Shannan Berzack
Age: 26
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Undergrad College: University of Miami
Specialty: Ophthalmology
Residency Match: Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Why did you choose this specialty?
“I chose ophthalmology because it offers the unique opportunity to restore a patient’s most vital sense through a perfect blend of intricate microsurgery and long-term clinical care. There’s nothing more rewarding than making an immediate, life-changing impact by improving a person’s vision and helping them see the world clearly again. ”
Alejandro M. Perez
Age: 26
Hometown: Miami, FL
Undergrad College: Florida International University
Specialty: Ophthalmology
Residency Match: University of Florida College of Medicine
Why did you choose this specialty?
“I chose ophthalmology because it’s a field where diagnosing still relies heavily on the clinical exam and direct visualization of anatomy. I love that it allows me to build long-term relationships with patients while preserving and restoring vision through a variety of treatments, including lasers and surgery. Being part of a field that is constantly innovating to improve patient outcomes excites me, and I look forward to contributing by advancing personalized treatments for my future patients.”
Aden Swayze
Age: 28
Hometown: Canton, Georgia
Undergrad College: University of Georgia
Specialty: Urology
Residency Match: University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Why did you choose this specialty?
“So many reasons! Urology offers a wide range of surgical experiences, from large open cases to robotic and endoscopic procedures. I love the personalities within the field, the rapidly advancing technology, the balance between clinic and surgery, and the opportunity to support patients through deeply personal challenges—like cancer diagnoses or urinary and sexual dysfunction—helping them return to the best versions of themselves.”