Commencement Profile: Matthew Campanella

On Monday, May 8, the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix will hold its 13^th Commencement. Led by a pipe and drum corps, the Class of 2023 will process through downtown Phoenix, finishing at the Arizona Financial Theatre for their official ceremony. The day marks the beginning of the next phase in their journey as physicians. The college profiled a series of graduating students to commemorate the milestone.

Meet Matthew Campanella

Matthew Campanella grew up in South Jersey/Philadelphia and then lived in California for 12 years before coming to the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. For him, Los Angeles is “home,” but he has absolutely loved living in Phoenix for the past four years and anticipates returning.

Campanella is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University (LMU), where he studied film production. After graduating and prior to deciding to pursue medicine, he worked as an investigative reporter and documentary filmmaker.

As he heads into his emergency medicine residency, he is thankful for the support of his parents (Carolyn and Al) and siblings (David and Elizabeth), as well as his “chosen family” — Alex, Rachel and his core group of friends in L.A.

Path Toward Medicine

What was the spark that led you to become a physician?

I have worked on the U.S.-Mexico border for the past 16 years and have witnessed abominable disease, trauma, poor access to care, and horrific border deaths in migrant and underserved communities. That is what started me on my journey to medicine at age 25. It was the best decision I ever made, and the challenges and rewards on the journey have been exhilarating.

Match Day

On Match Day, what was it like discovering where you were headed for residency?

Match day was very surreal! It all came so fast. I was nervous but being with my parents and seeing their joyful reactions is what I remember the best! I matched at Highland Hospital in Oakland, California, where I volunteered before medical school. I was dead set on going there, so I am thrilled and excited!

What’s Next?

What excites you most about your upcoming residency? Where are you headed?

Meeting my co-interns and joining the hospital community; serving the patient population and becoming a skilled physician in a world-class EM training program; my new home; being with my other half; and getting to explore a new city!

The College of Medicine – Phoenix Culture

Looking back, what’s your favorite medical school memory?

Hands-down, it was starting the Migrant Health Interest Group with my friend Rebecca Paxton, a fellow Class of 2023 graduate-to-be, and all the fun we had together — such as the three Tijuana trips!