Four fourth-year UConn medical school students have matched early into their residency training programs in ophthalmology.

“This is our largest ophthalmology match yet,” shared Dr. Marilyn Katz, assistant dean for Student Affairs, as UConn School of Medicine had three students in 2019 and three in 2020 choose to enter the ophthalmology field.

Christopher Edwards, 30, of Glastonbury has excitedly early matched to his ophthalmology residency training program at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

“It’s a great relief to know where I’m heading for the next four years. I’m incredibly happy to have matched at Dartmouth,” says Edwards who was inspired to pursue ophthalmology after seeing the profound impact of vision loss on patients’ lives.

“I was particularly moved by how therapeutic treatments and surgical procedures could restore sight and significantly improve quality of life,” Edwards shares. “I’m looking forward to working alongside the amazing faculty and residents at Dartmouth and continuing to care for the people of New England as an ophthalmologist.”

Fellow future ophthalmologist Michael Li, 26, of West Hartford is excited and relived to learn of his residency match to Brown University early.

“I loved my time at UConn and will always be a Husky at heart but I’m excited for my next chapter!” says Li. “It’s definitely a big relief to know early, and I’m excited to see where all of my classmates will be in a month!”

The rest of the Class of 2025 will learn their residency program destinies together on National Match Day on Friday, March 21 when they rip open their white envelopes for the big reveal in the Academic Rotunda at UConn Health.

“I always knew that I wanted to pursue a surgical field, but what I love about ophthalmology is being able to follow patients long-term and form relationships as well as having the ability to intervene with precise action when necessary,” Li says who is also excited about taking some well-deserved time off to travel before the start of his residency.

“Both of my grandmas have been in China waiting to see me for the past 9 years and a reunion is long overdue,” he heartwarmingly concludes.

Sarishka Desai, 25, of Darien is thrilled to have matched to Tufts/New England Eye Center.

“I’m incredibly excited to have matched into a fantastic program!” says Desai who was drawn to ophthalmology because of the unique balance between clinical care and surgery, as well as the opportunity to build long-term relationships with her patients.

“Vision is such an important sense and I’m honored to enter this field. I’ve been fortunate to learn from some of the best mentors, who have not only guided me but also pushed me to become the best medical student and future resident I could be,” says Desai.

She concludes, “Now, I can’t wait to celebrate with my classmates and cheer them on as they find out where they’re headed next.”

Maggie Boudreau, 27, of Wilton matched to the University of Virginia, and is also looking forward to celebrating with her classmates as they find out their match results in March on Match Day.

She’s been inspired to enter ophthalmology thanks to her Clinical Longitudinal Immersion in the Community (CLIC) program experience. This cornerstone of the curriculum gives UConn medical students the unique opportunity to work side by side with physician preceptors across the state in the clinic for three years.

“I was inspired by my CLIC preceptor. He knew I enjoyed doing procedures and had watched me grow in the clinic, and recommended ophthalmology to me,” says Boudreau. “I am looking forward to meeting my first patients.”

Boudreau concludes, “I have really enjoyed the past four years. The faculty’s dedication to our learning and success stands out to me every day.”

Edwards also couldn’t agree more.

“My experience at UConn School of Medicine has been incredibly educational, thanks to the exceptional faculty members throughout the preclinical and clinical years. I’m very grateful for their guidance and mentorship, which has been invaluable in preparing me for my future medical career,” Edwards said.