Match Day Profile: Taylor Pitt and James Lendrum

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 Taylor Pitt and James Lendrum

Fourth-year medical students James Lendrum and Taylor Pitt met on their first day of school, at the recommendation of a mutual friend. “I remember her radiant smile, and it was easy to make the introduction,” Lendrum said. Lendrum, who was born in Phoenix and attended the University of Southern California for his undergraduate education, said having a partner in medical school has made coping with stress easier.

“I am not sure how I could have handled these stresses without someone going through it by my side,” he said. “She understood completely when I was stressed and needed support, and I am not sure how I could have made it without her.”

Pitt, who was born in Dallas, TX, and attended Vanderbilt University to study economics and molecular and cellular biology, agreed. “We were able to rely on each other during those tougher times in medical school and know that our partner could truly empathize based on our shared experiences,” she said. “We also share similar goals, priorities and … schedules!”

Choosing a Specialty

Pitt will be going into obstetrics and gynecology after the experiences she had during her third-year clerkships. “I had my ‘aha’ moment during clinic,” she said. “I was touched by the empathy of the providers and the courage of the patients. Generally, I was drawn to the patients, surgeries and pace. I look forward to being a part of conversations that are important to me: family, intimacy, relationships, oncologic disease and cancer prevention. In this specialty, I will be able to advance my interests in women’s health, public policy and surgery.”

Lendrum is pursuing orthopedic surgery. “It has a perfect balance of interesting pathology, surgical instrumentation and enthusiastic colleagues. It was not until an experience during my orthopedics rotation in which we stabilized a trauma patient that my passion was truly confirmed. Being able to stabilize a person with such horrible injuries showed me the breadth that orthopedics has to offer, and I cannot wait to begin my future career.”

Why They Chose the College of Medicine – Phoenix

Both Pitt and Lendrum were attracted to the welcoming atmosphere of the college. “The College of Medicine – Phoenix is a campus committed to innovative education, collaborative training, inquisitive scholarship, exemplary leadership, increased access to health care and diversity,” Pitt said. “I wanted to be part of that legacy.”

Lendrum felt that the college was the perfect fit for him. “I knew it from the moment I met the faculty and staff,” he said. “Everyone was so welcoming and active in making the school’s vision what they wanted it to be.”

Favorite Medical School Memories

Pitt recalled a touching moment when a patient’s wife stopped her in the hospital to say hello and thank her for taking care of her husband. “She even recalled the joke I made while I introduced myself,” Pitt said. The couple also recently got engaged and are excited to begin their future together.

Advice to Incoming or Current Medical Students

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” Lendrum advised future medical students. “Medical school is a time to learn, and you truly don’t know how much you don’t know until you start asking questions.”

Pitt stressed the importance of reflecting on patient experiences. “We are all privileged to have the opportunity to care for patients and to be so trusted with others’ loved ones.”