Healthcare

Orlando, FL – Two future physicians from the University of Central Florida are preparing to dedicate their medical careers to serving those who have served our nation. Arielle Patterson and Jemual Shaylor, members of the UCF College of Medicine’s Class of 2026, have successfully matched into highly competitive military residency programs, marking a significant commitment to providing healthcare for U.S. Veterans. Their paths, supported by the military’s Health Professions Scholarship, exemplify a growing dedication among medical students to address the unique healthcare needs of the military community.

The pair’s achievement highlights UCF’s increasing role in training physicians for military service. Both Patterson and Shaylor will enter rigorous residency programs, gaining specialized expertise to address the complex medical challenges faced by active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families. This commitment comes as the demand for qualified medical professionals within the Department of Defense continues to grow.

Dedicated to Service: Patterson’s Path in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Arielle Patterson has matched at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where she will specialize in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) following a transitional year. Patterson’s passion for fitness and holistic health drives her desire to improve patient well-being through physical activity. “As a doctor who is really passionate about fitness and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, I want to really inspire the next generation of younger people to live healthier lives, earlier,” she stated. She also expressed a commitment to expanding access to healthcare and encouraging more students from underrepresented communities to pursue careers in medicine, believing that diverse backgrounds enhance patient care. Research suggests that patients often experience better outcomes when they can connect with physicians who share similar backgrounds.

Patterson is already actively involved in fostering inclusivity within the medical field, serving as director for Region IV of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA). She helped organize the SNMA’s annual regional conference, which will be held in Orlando from February 20-22, bringing together physicians and medical students from across the southeastern United States. Prior to medical school, Patterson earned her bachelor’s degree in cellular and molecular biology from Hampton University. She chose UCF’s medical school because of its innovative and team-oriented culture.

From Engineering to the Operating Room: Shaylor’s Focus on General Surgery

Jemual Shaylor will begin his residency in General Surgery at Naval Medical Center San Diego, with aspirations of becoming a hand surgeon. Shaylor’s decision to pursue a military career was significantly influenced by Jose Borrero, a former Assistant Professor at UCF and a U.S. Air Force flight surgeon during the Vietnam War. Borrero, now retired, continues to mentor UCF medical students. Shaylor will follow in Borrero’s footsteps in April, attending flight surgeon training in Norfolk, Virginia.

Shaylor emphasized the profound impact a hand surgeon can have on a patient’s quality of life. “A hand surgeon is almost a working man’s surgeon. You need your hands to do your job, or almost anything so when you’re able to restore function to any level, it has a major impact on a person’s life,” he explained. “If I can do that, especially in the military where hand injuries are quite common, that would be a calling I would love.” Before entering medical school, Shaylor earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in bioengineering from UCF.

The Residency Match Process

The process of securing a residency is highly competitive. Medical school graduates undergo a rigorous matching process through the National Residency Matching Service (NRMS). During their fourth year, students interview with programs across the country, ranking their top choices. Programs then rank applicants, and the NRMS uses an algorithm to determine the matches. Although most matches are revealed on National Match Day, which falls on March 20 this year, military programs and certain specialties often match earlier. Residency training itself typically spans three to seven years, depending on the chosen specialty.

As Patterson and Shaylor prepare for the next phase of their medical training, their dedication to serving the veteran community underscores the vital role UCF is playing in bolstering the ranks of military healthcare professionals. The coming years will see them applying their skills and compassion to the unique challenges faced by those who have served, contributing to a healthcare system dedicated to their well-being.

What comes next for these future physicians will be demanding, but their commitment to service and the foundation they’ve built at UCF position them for success. Share your thoughts on this inspiring story and the dedication of these future doctors in the comments below.

Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about medical education and career paths. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.