Match Day Profile: Jovanna Figueroa

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 2024.

Meet Jovanna Figueroa

Born and raised in South Phoenix — a vibrant community that shaped her values and aspirations — Jovanna Figueroa’s journey to medicine has been made possible by the unwavering support of her loved ones.

From an early age, her parents, both labor workers who immigrated from Sonora, Mexico, instilled in her the importance of education — despite their own limited access to educational opportunities.

Their encouragement and belief in her, coupled with scholarships and grants, motivated Figueroa to attend Arizona State University, where she became the first in her extended family to earn a bachelor's degree and, later, the first to pursue a career in medicine. In addition, her husband, Jesus, has stood by her with patience and unconditional love. And her friends have been there for her, as well, lending a listening ear and offering their encouragement through the long hours and tough times.

Figueroa is also deeply grateful for the financial support she has received from organizations like the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, the Dorrance Scholarship Program, the Arizona Community Foundation and the Primary Care Scholars Program during her undergraduate and medical school studies. The incredible generosity of these programs has allowed her to stay focused on her training and pursue her passion for medicine without the burden of financial stress.

Path Toward Medicine

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

My journey to becoming a physician was not exactly straightforward. Initially, I aspired to be a high school science teacher, but my experiences in civic leadership and social justice programs during college introduced me to the transformative power of medicine. The decision to become a physician was easy when I realized how a career in medicine could seamlessly blend all my passions: teaching, science, social justice and advocacy.

Choosing a Specialty

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

Family medicine, with its all-encompassing approach and emphasis on building lasting relationships, captured my heart. The opportunity to be a patient's first point of contact, guiding them through life's challenges and triumphs, is a privilege I cherish. Whether it's managing chronic conditions, delivering a baby or supporting a family through difficult times, family medicine allows me to make a meaningful impact across generations.

What’s Next

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

I am a Phoenix girl through and through. As I look ahead post-Match Day, my goal is to address the shortage of primary care physicians in my community. Phoenix is my home, and I feel a deep sense of responsibility to serve the people who have shaped me.

The College of Medicine – Phoenix Culture

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

The College of Medicine – Phoenix has been instrumental in preparing me for this journey, not only through its rigorous curriculum but also through the friendships and support systems I have created here. My advice to incoming medical students is simple: prioritize your support systems. This career is demanding, but the right people can help navigate its challenges and make a lasting difference.