LAS CRUCES, NM – Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine celebrated its Match Day on March 21, 2025, with 144 students securing residencies in a range of medical specialties, marking a significant achievement for the college.
“We are incredibly proud of our students and their impressive achievements. More than just securing residency positions, our students are continuing the tradition of pursuing careers in primary care, which is essential to the health of our communities,” said John Hummer, President of Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine. “The success of our students is a testament to the quality of the training we provide, the dedication of our faculty, and our focus on preparing students to meet the growing healthcare needs in underserved areas.”
Since its inaugural Match Day in 2020, Burrell College has consistently demonstrated a high placement rate. Including the Class of 2025’s results, the College has maintained a cumulative graduate medical education (GME) placement rate above 99%. This year, the college placed 61% of its students into primary care specialties, including Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics. Adding Psychiatry, which is considered primary care in New Mexico, brings the total to 69%. When including Obstetrics and Gynecology, the percentage climbs to 70%.
Student Success Stories:
In line with the college’s charge to train physicians who serve its mission region, many students matched into residency programs that will allow them to contribute directly to the healthcare needs of New Mexico, West Texas and surrounding areas.
Committed to serving the Southwest region, Luisa Sanchez-Mendez matched into Internal Medicine at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque, NM. “I am grateful for the opportunity to train in New Mexico, where I can continue serving the Southwest community that has given me so much. My goal is to stay in this region and make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our patients,” said Sanchez-Mendez.
Committed to serving the Southwest region, Luisa Sanchez-Mendez matched into Internal Medicine at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque, NM. “I am grateful for the opportunity to train in New Mexico, where I can continue serving the Southwest community that has given me so much. My goal is to stay in this region and make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our patients,” said Sanchez-Mendez.
Cedar Edell matched into Anesthesiology also at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque, NM, expressed excitement for the future. “Matching into Anesthesiology is a dream come true. It’s a specialty that allows me to make a direct impact on patient care in critical moments while utilizing a wide range of medical skills. I’m eager to work in a field that blends procedural expertise with patient safety and comfort. Anesthesiology offers the opportunity to be part of a collaborative team that ensures the best outcomes for patients across various surgical and medical settings. I look forward to growing in this dynamic and rewarding specialty,” Edell said.
Student Rikelle Trent will continue her training in Family Medicine at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, reflecting on the significance of her match. “I’m so proud to be part of a community that values compassionate care and patient well-being above all else. Matching here at home is incredibly meaningful to me. It gives me the opportunity to return to the region I know and love, where I can provide care to people who truly need it. I’m excited to continue my journey in medicine, making an impact in the very community that shaped my aspirations and to contribute to the health and wellness of my neighbors,” Trent said.
Spencer Cook, who matched into Neurology at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque, NM, shared his excitement about the next step in his medical journey. “It’s surreal to see everything come together after years of hard work and dedication. The journey has been challenging, but incredibly rewarding. I’m excited to continue my training in such a dynamic and impactful field and to pursue a career in neurology. Helping patients navigate complex neurological conditions is something I’m deeply passionate about, and I can’t wait to contribute to this field and make a difference in the lives of my patients,” Cook said.
Another student standout is Jordyn Mullins, who matched into a Neurosurgery residency at the University of Arkansas College of Medicine in Little Rock. Neurosurgery is widely regarded as the most competitive residency for osteopathic students, with only 240 positions available across the nation.
“Neurosurgery is an incredibly competitive field to match into, especially for osteopathic students. I’m honored to represent that community, and eager to help people throughout my training.”
“It’s been an arduous journey that’s only beginning. There’s been an incredible amount of work, preparation, and execution that has gone into this pursuit. I count myself fortunate to have the support of my family, friends, and staff at Burrell.”
Dr. William Pieratt, Dean & Chief Academic Officer of Burrell College, highlighted the importance of such achievements. “Jordyn’s success in matching into Neurosurgery is a direct result of the high level of education, hands-on experience, and mentorship our students receive. Given the highly competitive nature of this area, having one of our students placed in such a prestigious program is a testament to both the student’s perseverance and the strength of our academic environment,” Dr. Pieratt said.
The Match Day ceremony, a highly anticipated event for medical students nationwide, marks the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. For Burrell College, it is another milestone in its mission to produce highly qualified, compassionate physicians who are ready to meet the needs of patients in New Mexico and across the country.
“Our students are truly dedicated to making a difference, and we’re especially proud to see so many matching into specialties that are critical to the health of our region,” President Hummer noted. “With our focus on producing physicians for underserved areas, this year’s results reinforce our commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of New Mexico and beyond.”
Residency Matches for the Class of 2025:
- 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
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine operates two campuses—one in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Melbourne, Florida where the college welcomed its first class in July of 2024. This expansion allows the college to continue its mission to develop skilled osteopathic physicians who are committed to delivering high-quality care to diverse populations. For more information visit burrell.edu.
