Match Day Profile: Britton Donato

For four years, students at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix have worked toward Match Day — the day students learn where they will spend the next several years as resident-physicians, and a major step toward building their career in medicine. Match results are released nationally at Match Day ceremonies coordinated to occur at the exact same time across the country. Members of the Class of 2018 will receive letters showing where they will go for their residency training at 9:00 a.m. Friday, March 16. The UA College of Medicine – Phoenix has profiled a handful of students in advance of Match Day 2018.

Meet Britton Donato

Britton Donato grew up in northern California and moved to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona for his undergraduate education, where he studied human physiology and chemistry. “I was not sure whether I wanted to go to medical school or have a career in research, so I went to Boston, MA, to attend graduate school,” Donato said. During this time, he completed two master’s degrees — in epidemiology and biomedical science — and a research fellowship in which he developed a right ventricular assist device for children.

“Throughout this process, I was exposed to the world of academic surgery, and my career goals have been solidified ever since,” Donato said. After realizing his aspirations for a career in academic surgery, Donato decided to return to Arizona to attend the College of Medicine – Phoenix.

Choosing a Specialty

Coming into medical school, he had a strong affinity for surgery, but was still open to the possibility of another specialty. Throughout third-year he realized that, although the days could be long, it was a lot easier to get out of bed in the morning knowing he would get to spend the day in the operating room. He chose surgery because he has always been attracted to the technical aspects of surgical procedures, as well as the variety of surgical pathologies. He also has specific interests in the surgical correction of congenital malformations, so Donato’s ultimate goal is to complete a fellowship in pediatric surgery.

Why He Chose the College of Medicine – Phoenix

“During my interview, I quickly realized that the culture here is very unique from other medical schools,” Donato said. “The faculty was very involved with the student body, and our opinions as students really mattered when it came to making improvements. The student body was very welcoming and made me feel like I would fit in well.”

Extracurricular Activities

Throughout medical school, Donato has been involved in surgical research at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, focusing on children with congenital anterior chest wall deformities. “I also really enjoyed being involved in the Big Sib program over the years,” he said. “It has been great to see it grow and improve into what it has become today.”

Advice to Incoming or Current Medical Students

Donato stressed the importance of the doctoring courses — a block taught by Marícela Moffitt, MD, director of the Doctoring Curriculum, that teaches students the skills involved in successful patient interactions. “It will end up being the most important class of your first two years,” he said. “Also, listen to Dr. Moffitt because her clinical pearls are incredibly valuable.”