Military Match 2024: Military medical students learn their next stop in medical training

On Dec. 11, six School of Medicine M4s on military scholarships got an early look at where they would start their residencies in summer 2025.

The Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) is a comprehensive scholarship in which the U.S. military pays for students’ tuition, provides a monthly stipend and reimburses for learning materials. In return, medical students commit to residency training at a military-affiliated or civilian institution and a period of service in the Air Force, Army, Navy or Coast Guard following graduation. Each branch also sets different training requirements for students while they attend medical school. 

Graduating HPSP students learn of their matches in December, four months earlier than the general medical student body, who learn of their matches in March 2025. This year, several of the School of Medicine’s HPSP M4s gathered at the Park, in Scott’s Addition, on the evening of their Match Day, to celebrate their matches and connect over their journeys as medical students in the military. Featured below are two students that participated in the 2024 Military Match.

Cerelia Donald, Air Force, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth

Growing up in St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, M4 Cerelia Donald witnessed first-hand the importance of access to medical care. Long waits, airlifts and financial barriers were common in the island nation, and many of Donald’s family and community members had their medical needs unaddressed in a timely manner.

“There aren’t certain specialists available on the island, and people often have to travel off-island to get the care they need,” Donald said. "That experience, plus my interest in science, really inspired me to pursue medicine."

Donald matched into the obstetrics and gynecology program at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, where she said she is excited to continue her training close to family and friends that live in the area. She is most at home in the fast-paced labor and delivery unit, working alongside patients in some of their most emotional moments.

“It is hectic, but I love working with the patient population in OB-GYN,” Donald said. “It can be one of the happiest clinics, but I am also there for them when things don’t go well.”

Terry Everett, Navy, Full-Time Outservice

For M4 Terry Everett, balancing family life, residency and service was an important consideration when it came to match season. The aspiring anesthesiologist was happy to learn he matched Full-Time Outservice training, or FTOS, and will apply to match into a civilian institution during the general match cycle.

HPSP students have the option to rank civilian deferment, meaning they will complete their training at a non-military affiliated institution and serve their owed four years after residency. FTOS residents maintain active-duty status, receiving the same benefits and following the same requirements as all other active-duty personnel. Everett said this was the best option for his goals and current situation.

“From my perspective, training at an academic institution and then serving will give me a lot more perspective on where I want to go after this period,” Everett said. “I’m excited for what’s next and the experience I will gain in both fields.”

As the first in his family to attend medical school, Everett said that his time at the School of Medicine allowed him to explore the possibilities of medicine and inspired him to create an example for future first-generation medical students.

“I’ve definitely grown into being more comfortable and confident in who I am,” Everett said. “Over the years, I’ve learned it is so much easier to do the things you thought you couldn’t do.”

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