Burrell College Celebrates 165 Residency Matches for Class of 2026
The Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine has reached a significant milestone, celebrating the successful matching of 165 student physicians into various residency programs on March 21, 2026. This event, known as Match Day, marks a vital step in the educational journey of these aspiring medical professionals, showcasing their dedication and hard work over the years.
President John Hummer expressed immense pride in the achievements of the Class of 2026, emphasizing the importance of commitment to serving the healthcare needs of communities, particularly in underserved areas. He stated, "This is a defining moment for our students and a reflection of years of hard work, resilience, and purpose. We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and their commitment to pursuing careers that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and communities."
Since its foundation, Burrell College has maintained a strong record of residency placements. This year, an impressive 55% of its students matched into primary care specialties, which includes Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, and Pediatrics. When considering Obstetrics and Gynecology, this figure rises to 61%, demonstrating the college's focus on essential healthcare sectors.
Dr. William Pieratt, the Dean and Chief Academic Officer, highlighted the significance of this year's achievements, noting, "The success of this year's class speaks to the strength of our academic program and the dedication of our faculty in preparing students for the next phase of their training. These placements reflect not only academic excellence, but also the clinical readiness and professionalism our students bring to their residency programs."
Students at Burrell College found matches in an impressive array of disciplines across the nation, with 22 different specialties represented. Notably, students received placements in Las Cruces/El Paso, Albuquerque, and Florida, indicating the college's potential for widespread impact.
Student Success Stories
In line with Burrell College's mission to address healthcare requirements in local communities, several students matched into residency programs that align with their aspirations to serve areas in New Mexico, Texas, and Florida.
- - Nereus Noshirwani, a native of Las Cruces, will begin his Family Medicine residency at Martin Army Community Hospital in Fort Benning, Georgia. Noshirwani’s connection to his hometown played a crucial role in his decision to return and contribute to the local healthcare landscape. "I chose Burrell because I actually grew up here in Las Cruces and saw the school as it was being built. When I got the acceptance, it felt like a no-brainer to come back to my hometown," he shared.
- - Andrea de Santiago from El Paso will focus on Pediatrics at Texas Tech University Affiliate, expressing her enthusiasm to serve the community where she was raised: "I'm looking forward to staying in El Paso and treating the communities that I've been raised in. I went to Burrell for this very reason, to keep physicians here."
- - Jacob Jenkins matched into Vascular Surgery at Corewell Health-Grand Rapids/Michigan State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He conveyed his excitement about the upcoming journey: "I'm absolutely thrilled to have matched in vascular surgery; I can't contain the excitement. I'm looking forward to taking care of patients and making an impact on their lives by improving their quality of life."
2026 Residency Match Overview:
- - Internal Medicine – 44
- - Family Medicine – 18
- - Pediatrics – 17
- - Obstetrics and Gynecology – 11
- - Psychiatry – 11
- - Emergency Medicine – 18
- - Orthopedic Surgery – 3
- - General Surgery – 5
- - Vascular Surgery – 1
And more, spanning across various specialties.
The Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine continues to thrive, emphasizing student-centered education and a commitment to community health. Established in 2013, the college operates campuses in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Melbourne, Florida, affirming its ongoing dedication to medical training and excellence. For further details, visit
burrell.edu.