Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine Celebrates 144 Students Matching into Residencies for the Class of 2025

, /PRNewswire/ -- Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine celebrated its Match Day on March 21, 2025, with 144 students securing residencies across various medical specialties, marking a significant milestone for the institution.

"We are incredibly proud of our students and their achievements. More than securing residency positions, they are continuing the tradition of pursuing careers in primary care, which is vital to our communities," said John Hummer, President of Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine. "Our students' success reflects the quality of training we provide, the dedication of our faculty, and our commitment to preparing them for the growing healthcare needs in underserved areas."

Since its first Match Day in 2020, Burrell College has maintained a high placement rate. With the Class of 2025, the cumulative graduate medical education (GME) placement rate remains above 99%. This year, 61% of students matched into primary care specialties, including Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics. When including Psychiatry—considered primary care in New Mexico—the total rises to 69%, and with Obstetrics and Gynecology, it reaches 70%.

Student Success Stories

Many students matched into residencies that will allow them to serve New Mexico, West Texas, and the surrounding region.

Luisa Sanchez-Mendez, committed to serving the Southwest, matched into Internal Medicine at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to train in New Mexico and continue serving the community that has given me so much," she said.

Cedar Edell matched into Anesthesiology at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. "Matching into Anesthesiology is a dream come true. This specialty allows me to make a direct impact on patient care while blending procedural expertise with patient safety and comfort," Edell said.

New Jersey native Madonna Okafor matched into Psychiatry at Texas Tech University in El Paso, Texas. "I love the community here—the warmth, diversity, and opportunity to make a real difference. Burrell gave me the foundation, mentorship, and support I needed to succeed," she shared.

Rikelle Trent will continue her training in Family Medicine at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces. "Matching here at home is incredibly meaningful to me. I look forward to caring for the community that shaped my aspirations," she said.

Spencer Cook, who matched into Neurology at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, shared his excitement. "The journey has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. I'm eager to contribute to neurology and help patients navigate complex neurological conditions."

Jordyn Mullins secured a Neurosurgery residency at the University of Arkansas College of Medicine in Little Rock. Neurosurgery is one of the most competitive residencies, with only 240 positions nationwide. "Matching into Neurosurgery is a dream come true. Burrell's rigorous training and preparation gave me the confidence and skills to pursue this path," Mullins said.

Dr. William Pieratt, Dean & Chief Academic Officer of Burrell College, praised Mullins' achievement. "Jordyn's success reflects the strength of our academic environment and the high level of mentorship and experience our students receive."

Match Day Results

Burrell College's Match Day celebration marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. The Class of 2025 matched into the following specialties:

• Family Medicine – 38
• Internal Medicine – 37
• Emergency Medicine – 13
• Pediatrics – 13
• Psychiatry – 11
• General Surgery – 5
• Anesthesiology – 5
• Neurology – 4
• Pathology – 4
• Obstetrics and Gynecology – 2
• Diagnostic Radiology – 2
• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation – 2
• Neurological Surgery – 1
• Orthopedic Surgery – 1
• Pediatrics Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation – 1
• Preliminary Internal Medicine – 1
• Preliminary Obstetrics and Gynecology – 1
• Preliminary General Surgery – 1
• Transitional Year – 2

A Commitment to Serving Communities

Burrell College operates campuses in Las Cruces, NM, and Melbourne, FL, where its inaugural class began in 2024. This expansion supports the college's mission to develop skilled osteopathic physicians dedicated to delivering high-quality care to diverse populations.

"Our students are dedicated to making a difference, and we're especially proud to see so many matching into specialties that are critical to our region's health," President Hummer said. "With our focus on producing physicians for underserved areas, this year's results reinforce our commitment to addressing healthcare needs in New Mexico and beyond."

For more information, visit burrell.edu.

Media Contact: Sidney Alvarez
                     C: 504-495-4577

SOURCE Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine