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Title: A Match Made Indigenous: Celebrating Incoming Native Resident-Physicians
On a day filled with anticipation and joy, four talented medical students from indigenous backgrounds achieved their dream of becoming physician-residents. The University of Arizona College of Medicine’s Wy’East pathway program played a significant role in nurturing these exceptional individuals towards their remarkable achievement.
Adam Carl, an enrolled member of the Navajo and Hopi Tribes, will pursue his residency in Anesthesiology at Mayo Clinic-Arizona. His journey took him from Flagstaff to Tucson, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in physiology and a master’s in environmental health science. Adam dedicated himself to research within his Tribal communities and completed rural healthcare rotations across Arizona.
In his personal message, Adam expressed immense gratitude for the unwavering support of his family, friends, and mentors throughout his journey. He is eager to take the next step towards becoming an Anesthesiologist, staying true to his purpose of serving underserved communities.
Jared Delaney, a member of the Klamath Tribes, has matched with Hennepin County’s Emergency Medicine program. His path took him from Oregon Health & Science University, where he became a Wy’East Scholar, and later joined their medical student body.
Jared shared his story with Forbes, highlighting how meeting his first Native American physician at the age of 21 had a profound impact on his decision to become a doctor. He now feels empowered to be a role model for younger generations and work closely with his community.
Also celebrating her Match Day is Jasmine Fernandez, an enrolled member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. She will join Hennepin County’s Emergency Medicine program alongside Jared. Jasmine credits her family and community for their unwavering support during her journey.
In her reflection, she expressed gratitude towards her loved ones, who have been instrumental in her success. Her passion remains steadfastly focused on giving a voice to underserved communities and ensuring indigenous representation within healthcare spaces.
Last but not least, Samuel Williams, a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, has achieved his dream by matching with UC San Diego’s Internal Medicine-Infectious Disease program.
Throughout his academic journey, Samuel spent time at Washington University in St. Louis as an Annika Rodriguez Scholar and later completed a post-baccalaureate program at the National Institutes of Health in clinical microbiology.
In an exclusive interview with Forbes, Samuel mentioned how he hopes to utilize his skills to assist both the local community in San Diego and Native Americans as a whole.
The four students’ unwavering commitment to their communities is truly remarkable. Their stories demonstrate resilience, dedication and perseverance in overcoming obstacles.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/victorlopez-carmen/2025/03/23/a-match-made-indigenous-celebrating-incoming-native-resident-physicians/
