AZCOM Military Students Celebrate Residency Matches

For military students in the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM), Match Day comes earlier than the rest of the class. In this annual celebration, military students receive residency matches for their military healthcare service. This year, 13 students from Midwestern University’s Glendale campus participated in the military match after completing multiple audition rotations at programs throughout the country. 

Among them was 2^nd Lt. Hannah Heskin (AZCOM ’26), who matched with David Grant Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base in California for Family Medicine. Of her residency match, she said, “I look forward to expanding my clinical and patient care skills while caring for a patient population that I care deeply about including active-duty military members, their families, and retirees.”

2^nd Lt. Michael Bogert (AZCOM ’26) spoke of what he anticipates for his match at Mike O’Callaghan Military Medical Center at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. “I’m looking forward to further expanding my capabilities as a future family medicine physician, so that I can provide quality care, anytime, anywhere,” he said. 

Similarly, 2^nd Lt. Elias Sherzad (AZCOM ’26) anticipates the further medical experience he will gain in his residency in Internal Medicine at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. Elias said, “I’m looking forward to continuing my education to enable me to be the best physician I can for my patients.”

Overall, the military students in this year’s graduating class are eager to enter their career field and begin applying the skills they’ve spent years developing. 

2^nd Lt. Jonathan Tuscano (AZCOM ’26) said, “I’m looking forward to finally being able to do what I want to do in medicine. I’m excited to learn how to read diagnostic imaging and play a critical role in the patient’s healing process. Regarding military service, I’m grateful I’ll be able to serve our country’s Air Force personnel and their families, providing them with the care they deserve.” Jonathan will complete his residency in Diagnostic Radiology at the David Grand Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base in California.

Reflecting on the preparation that led him to this next stage, Johnathan credited his education for equipping him with the necessary skills to succeed, noting that “AZCOM did a phenomenal job providing high quality rotations at locations that prioritize and teach essential clinical skills, like history taking and performing a thorough physical exam.” 

2^nd Lt. Jacob Thiessen (AZCOM ’26) added that, “Major Julie Brown and our new advisor Dr. Carl Bryce were fantastic in helping us understand the idiosyncrasies of the military and the application process. I’ve appreciated all the extra hours they put in to help us serve.” 

These successful matches reflect Midwestern’s commitment to preparing tomorrow’s healthcare team, wherever their careers take them. AZCOM honored this year’s military students and their matches at a celebration and dinner in December, where their matches were announced to friends and family. The military students will also be honored at a Commissioning Ceremony as part of 2026 commencement. 

Congratulations to all!