Match Day Profile: Kendall Schwartz and Jaime Vieira

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 2025.

Meet Kendall Schwartz and Jaime Vieira

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Kendall Schwartz earned her undergraduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri (WashU). While at WashU, Schwartz played college softball, majored in neuroscience, and double minored in Spanish and global health.

Growing up with a dad who is family medicine physician, her interest in medicine took root early. Schwartz was constantly curious about what her father did on a day-to-day basis and looked up to him, wanting to follow in his footsteps.

She credits her parents, her older sister, Hayley, and her partner, Jaime, as her biggest supporters. And she noted that her family — who’ve encouraged her to follow whatever it is she is passionate about — has cheered her on since day one of this journey. They have always been an ear to listen to the good, bad and everything in between; and they have kept her focused on what is important both in medical school and in life.

Jaime Vieira also grew up in Phoenix and studied microbiology at Arizona State University. His interest in medicine was first sparked as a kid after a visit to the Body Worlds exhibit at the Arizona Science Center, where he became fascinated by the inner workings of the human body.

That early curiosity deepened over time. Vieira decided to become a physician after working on ambulances as an EMT during his sophomore year of college. He found it incredibly gratifying to connect with patients, helping to care for them in a time of need. Vieira expressed gratitude to his parents, his partner Kendall, as well as his friends and classmates for their constant encouragement and belief in him. Being able to lean on them throughout medical school has been an enormous source of support.

Path Toward Medicine

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

Schwartz: I decided on medical school my sophomore year of college when I started shadowing in the emergency department and realized how much I loved the idea of using the science I enjoyed learning about to help people. Around the same time, I also witnessed the other side of medicine while my great aunt was in hospice. I really appreciated how patient and family-centered her care was and wanted to pursue a profession that was focused on improving peoples’ lives, regardless of prognosis.

Vieira: I didn’t have a single “aha” moment, as my decision to pursue medicine was more of a gradual realization. I’ve always been fascinated by medical science and the human body, and I’ve seen firsthand the transformative impact that good doctors have had on some of my family members. I sought out medical experiences early in college and through those experiences, I realized that becoming a physician was the right path 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?

Schwartz: I’m applying to orthopedic surgery and originally became interested when I shadowed a pediatric orthopedic surgeon during my first semester of medical school. I enjoyed the variety of cases and was intrigued by the ability to make such a huge impact on pediatric patients’ lives, setting them up for success in adulthood. I spent my summer after first year shadowing at Phoenix Children’s and found incredible mentors who were eager to teach me, share their excitement for the specialty and supported me through this process. I love being able to think through anatomy, use my hands to physically improve a person’s quality of life and to get them back to doing the things that make them who they are. 

Vieira: I am thrilled to have already matched at the University of New Mexico in Urology (Urology is an early match). Urology is a surgical specialty focused on the management of conditions affecting the male and female urinary tract and male reproductive organs. I first heard about the specialty after having multiple family members undergo successful surgery for prostate cancer, and that experience stuck with me. As I learned more, I was drawn to the variety of cases — managing everything from cancer to benign conditions — that greatly impact quality of life, while also having the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients. 

What’s Next

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

Schwartz: My goals moving forward are first and foremost to become a competent and compassionate surgeon, but also a patient advocate and mentor. I hope to contribute to better understanding disparities in surgical care and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations. I’m also a huge proponent of mentorship and believe medicine is not something you can do alone. I wouldn’t be where I am without my mentors, and I plan to prioritize paying that forward to those behind me in training. One of my favorite quotes is “whatever you are, be a good one,” and I hope to emulate this in everything I do throughout residency and beyond.

Vieira: Moving forward, my goals are to continue growing as a physician and surgeon to provide the best care possible for my patients. I also hope to stay involved in research and community outreach, particularly in areas that can help improve access to care and patient outcomes in urology. Outside of medicine, I want to explore more of New Mexico, taking advantage of its numerous hiking and outdoor activities.

The College of Medicine – Phoenix Culture

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

Schwartz: The aspect of the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix I’ll miss the most is the people and strong community that brought me here in the first place. My classmates are my closest friends and are the people I would want to take care of my own family. As sad as I am to potentially not be in the same place as them, we all know it just means we have a great excuse to visit a lot of new cities in the future!

My biggest advice to incoming medical students is to be present, enjoy every moment and continue to do the things that make you you, even when life gets busy. Say yes to new experiences and lean into being uncomfortable. Whether it is doing a procedure for the first time, or picking up a new hobby with your classmates, I promise you it’s worth it!

Vieira: More than anything, I’m going to miss my classmates. I feel like I’ve made lifelong friendships, and it’s hard to imagine not seeing these incredible people every day. 

My advice for incoming medical students would be to make time for the people and activities that bring you joy. Medical school flies by, and what you'll remember most aren't the long hours studying, but the friendships you build and the moments you spend doing what makes you happy.

Couples Matching

What does it mean to be able to take the next step in your journey together?

Schwartz: Going through this crazy rewarding process with Jaime has meant the world to me. It has been so exciting to reflect on how both of us have grown together over the past four years and to go through all these new, gratifying and challenging experiences with my best friend by my side. 

He pushes me to be better every day, but also reminds me to take a breath, laugh it out and find joy in the small moments along the way. Starting residency will be our next big adventure, wherever we are, and I can’t wait to take on the next five years with him.

Vieira: It means everything to me. Having someone by your side who shares your goals and truly understands the challenges of medicine makes all the difference and made medical school so much more fun. We pushed each other to be the best versions of ourselves, and it's so rewarding to see how much we’ve grown together over the years. I am so excited for our adventures to come, wherever that may be.