South Middlesex Times

Travis Garth, a student at New Jersey Medical School (NJMS), has been inspired by his early experience in diagnosing his sister's muscular dystrophy to pursue a career in medicine. On Match Day, he learned that he will continue his medical training at Atlantic Health System in Morristown. "That was my first experience noticing something wrong and diving in to see what we could do about it," Garth said.

Match Day is an annual event where medical students discover which hospitals have selected them as residents. Garth, along with classmates Tabhata Paulet and Natalia Kellam Sahler, joined thousands of students nationwide to open envelopes revealing their residency placements.

"Match Day is a highlight of every medical student’s educational journey," said Amy P. Murtha, dean of RWJMS. She expressed pride in the class of 2025 for their dedication and success in securing residencies at prestigious institutions.

At Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS), 93% of the 172 graduating students matched with programs of their choice, aligning with the national average. Forty students will remain in New Jersey for their residencies, including 25 at NJMS or RWJMS. Others were accepted to renowned institutions such as Harvard Medical School/Brigham & Women’s and Johns Hopkins Hospital.

NJMS reported a 92% match rate among its 153 graduating students, with 67 planning to stay in New Jersey. "Match Day is a defining moment for our students as they prepare to graduate and embark on the next phase of their training," said Robert L. Johnson, dean of NJMS.

Natalia Kellam Sahler will specialize in pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital through the Boston Combined Residency Program. Inspired by her grandfather, a physician who still practices at age 93, Sahler values the opportunity to provide medical education and has been involved in initiatives like creating coursework for residents to teach medical students.

Tabhata Paulet aims to address healthcare disparities she witnessed within her family by becoming an anesthesiologist. Her grandmother's preventable illness motivated her pursuit of this field. Paulet has supported fellow medical students through organizations like the Latino Medical Student Association.

Garth expressed excitement about joining Atlantic Health System's general surgery program and emphasized his commitment to serving underinsured communities. He has previously volunteered through NJMS's Student Family Health Care Center and mentored aspiring medical students.

"I’m ecstatic to stay in New Jersey and be part of a robust general surgery program," Garth stated, confident about his future as a surgeon.