Match Day Profile: John Michael Sherman

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 John Michael Sherman

John Michael Sherman grew up outside of Chicago, but for the last 15 years, he has called Arizona his home. A major in jazz trumpet performance at Arizona State University, he spent several years working as professional freelance musician before starting medical school.

Sherman credits his wife Chelsea for supporting him through his arduous four years of study — including when he fractured his femur and couldn't drive to his rotations or even tie his own shoes.

In addition, Sherman’s parents and brother have also encouraged him every step of the way. Without their inspiration, he said he would never have made it through.

Path Toward Medicine

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

There was no single moment that made me want to become a physician; it was really something that I had dreamed of since I was a kid. While I was growing up, I had several family members require medical care. The work of physicians improved their lives and gave me more time with them. When I became a scribe in college, I saw how physicians could use their knowledge and skills to provide comfort, alleviate pain and give compassionate care when patients needed it most, and I knew that it was the career for me.

Choosing a Specialty

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

Emergency medicine! I was an emergency department scribe for a long time before medical school and fell in love with the frenetic energy of the department, the wide scope of practice and breadth of knowledge, and the ability to literally save people's lives on a daily basis. It is often said that you choose a specialty by finding your people, and I found mine in the bicycle riding, rock climbing, craft beer enjoying, and — most of all — friendly and welcoming emergency medicine crowd. I cannot wait to explore this field in residency!

What’s Next

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

Until I begin residency, I hope to spend as much time with my family and friends as possible! I want to exercise, play music, travel and relax before the next chapter begins. I am not quite sure where my career in medicine is headed; there are fellowships that interest me — toxicology and ultrasound, to name a few. Regardless of where my path takes me, I want to become the best emergency physician I can be, and I guarantee I will end up teaching one way or another!

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 definitely miss my classmates and friends, as there's nothing like the bond created by forging through the gauntlet of medical school together. I will also miss my mentors, who helped me get to this point.

For any medical student, I would offer this advice: There's no one way to be a great medical student and a great physician. Comparison is the thief of joy. Any time spent thinking about others and not about becoming the best version of you is time wasted. Also, remember to exercise and drink water.