FIU Medicine Achieves 100% Residency Match Rate for Fourth Year Running

March 23, 2026 Priya Shah – Business Editor Business

For the fourth consecutive year, all 112 graduating students at the Florida International University (FIU) Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine have secured residencies, marking a 100% placement rate, according to a statement released Monday. The achievement comes as the National Resident Matching Program reported over nine thousand applicants nationwide went unmatched this year.

Shaun Crist, who matched into the FIU/Baptist Health General Surgery Residency program, expressed his relief and gratitude. “I think it speaks to the strength of FIU—how well students are trained and how supported we are,” Crist said. “I’m excited to stay close to home. I couldn’t be happier.” Crist’s interest in surgery was sparked by witnessing his father’s open-heart surgery at age 15, leading him to shadow the performing cardiothoracic surgeon.

The partnership between FIU and Baptist Health continues to expand opportunities for students. This year marks the second year of the joint residency programs, with five students matching into those positions. Baptist Health welcomed the next generation of South Florida physicians on Match Day, according to a press release.

Daniel Boaretto, a Miami native and FIU alum, will pursue a residency in anesthesiology at NYU. His journey was supported by the Albert and Debbie Taño full-tuition scholarship. “I’m incredibly grateful,” Boaretto said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for them.” His mother, Carla Boaretto, who worked at the campus Café Bustelo during her son’s medical school years, hopes his success will inspire others, stating, “Everything is possible with hard work and sacrifice.”

The Taños, longtime supporters of FIU and the College of Medicine, were present at the Match Day celebration. Dr. Taño serves on the FIU Board of Trustees, and Debbie is a member of the FIU Foundation Board. The family’s commitment to FIU extends beyond philanthropy, with three of their children having completed medical training at the institution, and their youngest daughter currently enrolled.

Tarlan Kehtari will specialize in neurology at the University of Pennsylvania. Her decision to focus on neurology stemmed from both an early interest in neuroscience and a personal experience with her grandmother’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease. “It really shaped how I see illness,” Kehtari said. “It affects not just the patient, but everyone around them.”

FIU President Jeanette Nuñez, FIU Provost Elizabeth Béjar, and the college’s namesake, Dr. Herbert Wertheim, joined the Class of 2026 for the celebration. Nuñez, presiding over her first Match Day, jokingly acknowledged the class as her “favorite.”

FIU Medicine’s Road to Residency, Career Advising program has received national recognition, contributing to the program’s success, according to a recent announcement.