Team Spotlight
Match Day Magic: Placing Resident Physicians in Communities That Need Them Most!
Every spring, a life-changing event unfolds for thousands of medical students across the country — “Match Day.” For many, it marks the culmination of years of hard work, long nights, and unwavering commitment to the dream of becoming a physician. In Central California, Match Day is more than a rite of passage — it’s a transformative moment for entire communities.
On March 28, 2025, Adventist Health Central California Network proudly welcomed 28 new resident physicians to its five residency programs:
- Hanford Family Medicine
- Hanford-Sonora Family Medicine
- Tulare Family Medicine
- Tulare Internal Medicine
- New in 2025: Bakersfield Internal Medicine
For the next three years, these residents will receive hands-on training and deliver critical care in hospitals and medical offices across the Central Valley. The physicians will participate in clinical rotations, community outreach, and face-to-face patient interactions that will create lasting relationships.
Why Match Day Matters — Beyond the Celebration
Match Day is more than the excitement of a sealed envelope or the joy of discovering where a physician’s medical journey will continue. It’s about impact. For regions, such as Central California — where physician shortages are real and deeply felt — welcoming new residents is nothing short of revolutionary.
According to the University of California, San Francisco, the state faces a looming shortfall of clinicians in the next 15 years. The Central Valley, already underserved, is among the hardest hit, which is why placing doctors here, training them here, and investing in their development here can change the health outcomes of entire counties.
In 2025, Adventist Health reviewed more than 4,000 applications to fill 28 coveted residency spots — an affirmation of Adventist Health’s reputation and mission. These chosen few bring diverse backgrounds and experiences and are committed to serving where they’re needed most.
From Match to Mission
Beginning in July 2025, these physicians will support Adventist Health’s mission of living God’s love by inspiring health, wholeness, and hope.
“...God's love is life and happiness, and I think our residents are going to do that,” said Raul Ayala, MD, Network Ambulatory Medical Officer. “They win, we win, the community wins, family wins and not just today, but for many decades to come.”
By 2030, the goal is to increase the number of residents to 100. Planning is underway to launch a residency program at Adventist Health Tehachapi, expanding the pool of physicians in the south.
A Win for All
When a physician matches to a residency program, it’s a ripple effect that can change the course of their life — and the lives of countless others.
