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ɫ�����Ƶ honored military students from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) and the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM) who received their residency matches for military healthcare practice via an annual military match celebration on both the Downers Grove and Glendale campuses. Medical students from both campuses shared some of their experiences and background in service. 

Medical student Grant Zimmerman (CCOM ’25), currently an ensign in the Navy, matched into a family medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Camp Lejune (NMCCL) located in Camp Lejeune, NC. Upon graduation, Grant will be promoted to lieutenant and train for three years in his family medicine residency, followed by active-duty service with a minimum of four years. Grant reflected upon his inspiration from the ROTC program in his college years. “I felt that I had the opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way even outside of medicine. The armed forces and, specifically the Navy, share many values and goals that I align with, and the community could not be better. In addition, it has already provided me with the opportunity to have variety in my career.” Grant also expressed gratitude for the University. “Midwestern continues to be a program which has gained recognition for the quality of students and future residents it produces. I felt adequately prepared for my rotations, and I cannot say how grateful I am to have attended an osteopathic university. I take pride in being a future D.O. and future family medicine physician.” Grant further emphasized the importance of the support he received. “This whole journey would not have been what it has been without my incredible wife and family. They helped to keep my priorities straight and to have confidence in myself. I would not have gone through this process in any other way.”

Medical student Anna Larson (AZCOM ’25) matched with a family medicine specialty at Womack Army Medical Center in Fayetteville, NC. Anna discussed an impactful moment from the event. “My favorite memory was getting a call from the program director that I had matched into my number one choice, and then calling all my family members to tell them the good news,” Anna expressed. She also emphasized her support for her fellow classmates. “It was such a joy to see my classmates match, as well as friends that I had made during auditions. It is a special moment to see our plans and dreams come to fruition after working,” Anna stated.

Medical student Anthony Collado (CCOM ’25), serves as an ensign in the Navy and matched into the family medicine residency at Camp Lejune in Jacksonville, NC. “I believe Midwestern does a tremendous job preparing students for residency, particularly in primary care specialties. We have a faculty full of compassionate physicians who lead by example and are committed to teaching,” Anthony said. He also expressed appreciation for the support of University faculty who served in the military. “On several occasions, faculty members spoke about their experiences to help set expectations for our future careers.” Anthony also spoke about past mentors who encouraged him to pursue military medicine. “I was fortunate to have several mentors during my undergraduate studies who were former Marines and Navy. They urged me at a young age to join the military for medical school. I was hesitant at first, but after speaking with more and more military physicians and learning about their incredible experiences, I knew it would be something that I would enjoy.” Anthony also described his experience at the residency match event. “The day has major implications on our future, while also acknowledging all the efforts up until this point. I will always feel grateful to pursue a career as a physician, and each milestone along the way serves as a nice reflection point for our past,” he said.

Medical student Alec Robitaille (AZCOM ’25) matched to a dermatology specialty. “I am honored and humbled to be the only person to receive this new position. I am excited to be entering into my dream career.” He reflected upon the event and said he was happy to learn where his cohorts would be heading for their residencies. Alec also emphasized that his favorite memory of ɫ�����Ƶ was meeting his future wife. 

Medical student Hunter Rolain (CCOM ’25) serves as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force and will become a captain following graduation. Hunter matched into an internal medicine residency at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. “ɫ�����Ƶ has provided me the education and mentorship that has made me feel ready for residency and the next step in my medical education,” Hunter discussed. He expressed appreciation for the military match event. “Being able to still celebrate amongst my colleagues was extremely meaningful and something I will not forget,” Hunter said. He also added that he comes from a military family. “I am third-generation military. My father served as an anesthesiologist in the Navy, and I am always so proud to call him my dad and a veteran.”