Match Day Profile: Amanda Schaaf

Every third Friday in March, fourth-year medical students across the United States learn where the next chapter in their careers will be written. Match Day is the day when the National Resident Matching Program releases results to applicants in sealed envelopes, revealing where they will spend the next several years in residency, training in their chosen specialty. After years of preparation and study, it is a long-awaited and well-deserved day to celebrate. The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix is profiling several students for Match Day 2023.

Meet Amanda Schaaf

Born and raised in Southern California, Amanda Schaaf attended the University of California, Riverside for her undergraduate degree, studying Biology.

It was during that time Schaaf’s initial desire to pursue medicine emerged. In the summer after her sophomore year, she had the opportunity to volunteer on a health care mission in Nicaragua. The rest is history.

As she navigated her way to medical school, her biggest supporters have always been her family — her dad, mom and sister. She is so grateful for them, and it is through their inspiration that she is where she is today.

Path Toward Medicine

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

I was fortunate to volunteer on a health care mission to Nicaragua. This experience connected me with some amazing, inspiring people and made me want to pursue a career where I could make a large impact on the health care of severely underserved communities — like the one I encountered there. I had several experiences following this that continued to affirm my decision to pursue medicine.

Choosing a Specialty

Do you have a specialty? What is it and why did it interest you, or what led you to it?

I am hoping to match into an anesthesiology residency program. My initial introduction to anesthesia was while I was on the Nicaragua mission. I met several dental anesthesiologists that made a huge impression on me.

Moreover, I have always been fascinated by pharmacology and drug pathways. I like the opportunity of being the internist in the operating room, and I like the instant gratification that can come from being in anesthesia — medically managing patients and seeing changes to their vitals in real time.

What’s Next

Post-Match Day, what are your goals moving forward?

Finishing out my last two rotations, learning as much as I can in each and then enjoying some time off with my loved ones prior to beginning residency.

The College of Medicine – Phoenix Culture

What will you miss most about the College of Medicine – Phoenix? Any advice for incoming medical students?

I will miss the people. I have made some of my best friendships here; several of them will be my bridesmaids one day. This school did an amazing job at selecting my class because it is full of some of the greatest, highest quality people.

For incoming medical students, my advice is to befriend upperclassmen, too, if you can; study outside resources — try not to get overwhelmed by how many resources are out there, but pick one or two and stick with them; don’t be afraid/embarrassed to ask advice/questions — usually someone else will have the same question and will be too timid to ask; have an open mind when it comes to choosing a specialty; don’t forget to take time for yourself and try to have a hobby/goal outside your studies. Medicine is not everything.