Congratulations, Class of 2025!
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
Stritch School of Medicine graduating class is ready for the next step in their calling as physicians
The Stritch Class of 2025 entered medical school in the midst of a global pandemic in 2021. This meant that not only was the learning environment a little different with some classes virtual, but milestone celebrations like the White Coat Ceremony weren't the same. With some social distancing restrictions still in place, their family and friends couldn't attend and witness the moment they received the white coats they would wear for the next four years. Yet, the Class of 2025 worked hard and persevered, and their Commencement Ceremony is now just around the corner.
Before Commencement comes Match Day, an annual rite of passage for medical students around the country, which takes place on the third Friday of March. Following this tradition, Stritch fourth-year medical students (M4s) gathered on March 21, 2025, for a celebration during which they learned where they matched for residency. Unlike their White Coat Ceremony in 2021, students were able to celebrate with family and friends by their sides at Match Day as they opened the personalized envelopes that told them where their path leads next.
Read on to learn more about where some of our graduating students matched and what they say are the most valuable things they learned during their time in medical school at Stritch.
Nicholas Brennan
Specialty I matched into: Anesthesiology
Where I matched: Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
What I want to focus on in my medical career: Working with veterans at the VA, obstetric anesthesia, being a great communicator whilst navigating complicated situations in the OR, and being on the cutting edge of regional anesthesia techniques.
The most valuable thing I learned in medical school at Stritch: Communication is everything! No matter how much medical knowledge I possess, I've learned that patience, kindness, and empathy are some of the most important qualities a physician can develop. How I interact with my patients is arguably as important as my medical knowledge.
One thing I would tell future medical students: The rumors are true. Medical school is hard. However, it is much easier when you dedicate time to the hobbies and people who make you happy. Spend time building yourself a support network of friends, family, and activities. Have things to look forward to throughout the week, and you will succeed even when feel like you are struggling.
Nicholas Brennan shares a hug with a fellow student after learning he matched in Anesthesiology at Medical College of Wisconsin.
Sally Ceesay
Specialty I matched into: Internal Medicine
Where I matched: Northwestern McGaw, Chicago, IL
What I want to focus on in my medical career: My passion to serve underserved communities is what first drew me to medicine. I intend to subspecialize in GI and hope to fuse my clinical interests with a deep commitment to health equity. Beyond clinical care, I hope to use my platform to advocate for systemic improvements in access and education. More than anything, I want to grow into a physician who not only serves her patients but allows herself to be deeply impacted and transformed by them in return.
The most valuable thing I learned in medical school at Stritch: You’re only as strong as the community you build around you. Over these past four years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of my closest friends and most inspiring mentors—people who have lifted me up during some of the hardest moments, and who I’ve had the honor of supporting in return. Medicine is demanding, and it’s easy to feel like you’re walking the path alone. But Stritch showed me that when you build meaningful relationships rooted in trust, vulnerability, and shared purpose, you don’t just survive—you thrive.
One thing I would tell future medical students: You can’t do it all, but you can do most of it—and you don’t have to lose yourself in the process. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to be the best student, the best applicant, the best version of who you think you should be. And yes, it’s important to work hard and absorb as much as you can. But don’t forget to nourish the other parts of you—the relationships, the passions, the small joys that make you whole. Those things will sustain you far more than any textbook ever could.
Sally Ceesay (in red) jumps for joy with friends after learning she matched in Internal Medicine at Northwestern McGaw.
Pranavi Chamarthi
Specialty I matched into: Pediatrics
Where I matched: UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, Oakland, CA
What I want to focus on in my medical career: As a future pediatrician, I hope to focus on becoming a complete advocate and educator for my young patients, who are not only the most vulnerable members of our population but also the future of our society. Throughout my medical career, I would like to empower children and adolescents to feel confident and involved in their healthcare journeys, providing them with the platform to realize their fullest potential!
The most valuable thing I learned in medical school at Stritch: Compassion and empathy. As I complete my medical education at Stritch, I feel confident in my ability to treat my patients not as a laundry list of complex medical conditions, but rather as the multi-faceted and complete individuals that they are. Being compassionate and empathetic is integral for building trust in any patient-physician relationship. There is truly no better place than Loyola and Stritch to experience how powerful this can be!
One thing I would tell future medical students: Find yourself the best support system! This includes not just the family and friends that you love, but also the activities and hobbies that you love outside of medicine. Medical school is a marathon, but prioritizing yourself and leaning on your people will help you immensely, especially when things get rough!
Pranavi Chamarthi (in maroon shirt) is surrounded by family as they applaud the Class of 2025 at the Match Day celebration before opening her envelope to learn she matched in Pediatrics at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital.
Ryan Ferdowsian
Specialty I matched into: Family Medicine
Where I matched: Stanford Health Care, San Jose, CA
What I want to focus on in my medical career: My primary passion lies in providing long-term care for athletes with disabilities, individuals recovering from spinal cord injuries, and patients with amputations—while also caring for the full range of family medicine patients across the lifespan. Alongside my clinical practice, I am committed to collaborating with colleagues and local resources to pursue initiatives that improve the health of my broader community. Additionally, I have developed a strong interest in Emergency Medicine and hope to practice in rural emergency departments a few times each month.
The most valuable thing I learned in medical school at Stritch: One pillar of Stritch’s education that sets it apart from other medical schools is its emphasis on reflection. Whether through conversations with the ministry team or dedicated reflection sessions built into the curriculum, Stritch consistently fosters this vital practice. It has helped me recognize that reflection is essential for both personal and professional growth—allowing us to become the best versions of ourselves. I plan to carry this practice forward throughout residency and into my career.
One thing I would tell future medical students: Current and future medical students should know that the greatest gift you can offer your future patients is to remain a whole person outside of medicine. While clinical excellence demands a strong grasp of scientific knowledge, it is human connection that builds trust and promotes healing. I have found that students who continue to pursue their hobbies—while balancing the academic rigors of medical school—not only bring more empathy and perspective to patient care, but also maintain a healthier, more fulfilling outlook on the profession.
Ryan Ferdowsian celebrates after learning he matched in Family Medicine at Stanford Health Care.
Sullibet Ramirez Alvarado
Specialty I matched into: Emergency Medicine
Where I matched: Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO
What I want to focus on in my medical career: I'm passionate about working in safety-net hospitals like Denver Health, which serve vulnerable populations, including the uninsured, immigrants, and unhoused individuals. My goal is to learn how to best care for these patients in order to continue providing exceptional care to them while also advocating for better healthcare access.
The most valuable thing I learned in medical school at Stritch: When I interviewed at Stritch as a pre-med student, I heard people talking about how amazing the community was at the school, but it was difficult for me to truly grasp the significance of those comments until I experienced it for myself. These past few years at Stritch I learned to value being part of a nurturing and supportive community. I had the privilege of working alongside incredible peers, learning from compassionate attendings, and relying on dedicated staff for support whenever I needed it.
One thing I would tell future medical students: The journey to becoming a doctor is challenging, but it's important to be patient with yourself. Learn to be flexible, adapt when things don't go as planned, and give yourself grace along the way. You’re here because you’ve earned your place—don’t let setbacks make you lose sight of that truth.
Sullibet Ramirez Alvarado (center) stands with her father and mother during the speeches before opening her envelope to learn she matched in Emergency Medicine at Denver Health Medical Center.
The Stritch Class of 2025 entered medical school in the midst of a global pandemic in 2021. This meant that not only was the learning environment a little different with some classes virtual, but milestone celebrations like the White Coat Ceremony weren't the same. With some social distancing restrictions still in place, their family and friends couldn't attend and witness the moment they received the white coats they would wear for the next four years. Yet, the Class of 2025 worked hard and persevered, and their Commencement Ceremony is now just around the corner.
Before Commencement comes Match Day, an annual rite of passage for medical students around the country, which takes place on the third Friday of March. Following this tradition, Stritch fourth-year medical students (M4s) gathered on March 21, 2025, for a celebration during which they learned where they matched for residency. Unlike their White Coat Ceremony in 2021, students were able to celebrate with family and friends by their sides at Match Day as they opened the personalized envelopes that told them where their path leads next.
Read on to learn more about where some of our graduating students matched and what they say are the most valuable things they learned during their time in medical school at Stritch.
Nicholas Brennan
Specialty I matched into: Anesthesiology
Where I matched: Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
What I want to focus on in my medical career: Working with veterans at the VA, obstetric anesthesia, being a great communicator whilst navigating complicated situations in the OR, and being on the cutting edge of regional anesthesia techniques.
The most valuable thing I learned in medical school at Stritch: Communication is everything! No matter how much medical knowledge I possess, I've learned that patience, kindness, and empathy are some of the most important qualities a physician can develop. How I interact with my patients is arguably as important as my medical knowledge.
One thing I would tell future medical students: The rumors are true. Medical school is hard. However, it is much easier when you dedicate time to the hobbies and people who make you happy. Spend time building yourself a support network of friends, family, and activities. Have things to look forward to throughout the week, and you will succeed even when feel like you are struggling.
Sally Ceesay
Specialty I matched into: Internal Medicine
Where I matched: Northwestern McGaw, Chicago, IL
What I want to focus on in my medical career: My passion to serve underserved communities is what first drew me to medicine. I intend to subspecialize in GI and hope to fuse my clinical interests with a deep commitment to health equity. Beyond clinical care, I hope to use my platform to advocate for systemic improvements in access and education. More than anything, I want to grow into a physician who not only serves her patients but allows herself to be deeply impacted and transformed by them in return.
The most valuable thing I learned in medical school at Stritch: You’re only as strong as the community you build around you. Over these past four years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of my closest friends and most inspiring mentors—people who have lifted me up during some of the hardest moments, and who I’ve had the honor of supporting in return. Medicine is demanding, and it’s easy to feel like you’re walking the path alone. But Stritch showed me that when you build meaningful relationships rooted in trust, vulnerability, and shared purpose, you don’t just survive—you thrive.
One thing I would tell future medical students: You can’t do it all, but you can do most of it—and you don’t have to lose yourself in the process. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to be the best student, the best applicant, the best version of who you think you should be. And yes, it’s important to work hard and absorb as much as you can. But don’t forget to nourish the other parts of you—the relationships, the passions, the small joys that make you whole. Those things will sustain you far more than any textbook ever could.
Pranavi Chamarthi
Specialty I matched into: Pediatrics
Where I matched: UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, Oakland, CA
What I want to focus on in my medical career: As a future pediatrician, I hope to focus on becoming a complete advocate and educator for my young patients, who are not only the most vulnerable members of our population but also the future of our society. Throughout my medical career, I would like to empower children and adolescents to feel confident and involved in their healthcare journeys, providing them with the platform to realize their fullest potential!
The most valuable thing I learned in medical school at Stritch: Compassion and empathy. As I complete my medical education at Stritch, I feel confident in my ability to treat my patients not as a laundry list of complex medical conditions, but rather as the multi-faceted and complete individuals that they are. Being compassionate and empathetic is integral for building trust in any patient-physician relationship. There is truly no better place than Loyola and Stritch to experience how powerful this can be!
One thing I would tell future medical students: Find yourself the best support system! This includes not just the family and friends that you love, but also the activities and hobbies that you love outside of medicine. Medical school is a marathon, but prioritizing yourself and leaning on your people will help you immensely, especially when things get rough!
Ryan Ferdowsian
Specialty I matched into: Family Medicine
Where I matched: Stanford Health Care, San Jose, CA
What I want to focus on in my medical career: My primary passion lies in providing long-term care for athletes with disabilities, individuals recovering from spinal cord injuries, and patients with amputations—while also caring for the full range of family medicine patients across the lifespan. Alongside my clinical practice, I am committed to collaborating with colleagues and local resources to pursue initiatives that improve the health of my broader community. Additionally, I have developed a strong interest in Emergency Medicine and hope to practice in rural emergency departments a few times each month.
The most valuable thing I learned in medical school at Stritch: One pillar of Stritch’s education that sets it apart from other medical schools is its emphasis on reflection. Whether through conversations with the ministry team or dedicated reflection sessions built into the curriculum, Stritch consistently fosters this vital practice. It has helped me recognize that reflection is essential for both personal and professional growth—allowing us to become the best versions of ourselves. I plan to carry this practice forward throughout residency and into my career.
One thing I would tell future medical students: Current and future medical students should know that the greatest gift you can offer your future patients is to remain a whole person outside of medicine. While clinical excellence demands a strong grasp of scientific knowledge, it is human connection that builds trust and promotes healing. I have found that students who continue to pursue their hobbies—while balancing the academic rigors of medical school—not only bring more empathy and perspective to patient care, but also maintain a healthier, more fulfilling outlook on the profession.
Sullibet Ramirez Alvarado
Specialty I matched into: Emergency Medicine
Where I matched: Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO
What I want to focus on in my medical career: I'm passionate about working in safety-net hospitals like Denver Health, which serve vulnerable populations, including the uninsured, immigrants, and unhoused individuals. My goal is to learn how to best care for these patients in order to continue providing exceptional care to them while also advocating for better healthcare access.
The most valuable thing I learned in medical school at Stritch: When I interviewed at Stritch as a pre-med student, I heard people talking about how amazing the community was at the school, but it was difficult for me to truly grasp the significance of those comments until I experienced it for myself. These past few years at Stritch I learned to value being part of a nurturing and supportive community. I had the privilege of working alongside incredible peers, learning from compassionate attendings, and relying on dedicated staff for support whenever I needed it.
One thing I would tell future medical students: The journey to becoming a doctor is challenging, but it's important to be patient with yourself. Learn to be flexible, adapt when things don't go as planned, and give yourself grace along the way. You’re here because you’ve earned your place—don’t let setbacks make you lose sight of that truth.