Match Day Profile: Gillian Reynoso

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 Gillian Reynoso

Born in California, Gillian Reynoso and her mom moved to Mexico to live with her grandparents before returning to the United States when she was three years old. Reynoso has lived in West Phoenix ever since.

After graduating from Copper Canyon High School, Reynoso had an interest in science and health care and decided to major in biomedical sciences at Arizona State University.

Deep down, she knew she wanted to be a doctor, but as a first-generation college student, she did not know if her dream was possible. Always a skeptic, Reynoso had to learn to overcome her doubts. This also prepared her for the many cynics she would encounter on her path to medicine.

She credits her family, both related and chosen, as her greatest support system. Her mom raised her all on her own in a country with limited family support and job opportunities — all while learning English; and her stepfather taught Reynoso the value of hard work and the satisfaction that comes with figuring things out yourself.

Her cousin Odaliz stayed up late with Reynoso proofreading her Pathway Scholars Program application and was by her side the day she received the acceptance call as they were preparing for the COVID-19 lockdown.

Reynoso feels fortunate to be uplifted by friends, family, mentors, classmates, teachers, residents, faculty, attendings, staff, the Arizona Latin-American Medical Association, Latino Medical Student Association and the people who wrote her letters of recommendation for the Pathway Scholars.

“I want to name everyone, but to keep it brief, I am so grateful for every single person that has helped me get here in any way,” Reynoso said. “I hope they know how thankful I am for them, and I aspire to be an equal source of support.”

Path Toward Medicine

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

I went on a medical brigade to Honduras the summer after my freshman year of college, and this experience solidified my interest in medicine.

I spent a week working with family medicine physicians and was fascinated by the wide range of care they provided and their adaptability in resource-limited settings. I knew I wanted to be a family medicine doctor before I even knew how to apply to medical school!

The spark that led me to being a physician was only possible because of the Pathway Scholars Program. Without it, I would not have had the opportunity to go to medical school. There are so many incredible students in Arizona from rural and underserved communities who deserve a chance at medicine, and the Pathway Scholars helps make those dreams a reality.

Choosing a Specialty

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

I chose family medicine because of the broad-spectrum training, the ability to provide care in any setting and the longitudinal relationships built with patients. In addition to this, I hope to match at a residency program that allows me to be my own interpreter for Spanish speaking patients.

After residency, I hope to practice in an outpatient clinic with a focus on child and adolescent health, gender-affirming care and reproductive health. I also hope to incorporate lots of in-office procedures! Ultimately, as a family medicine physician, I want to care for multiple generations of people in a space that is welcoming, culturally humble and free of prejudice.

Now more than ever, it’s important to fight against structural violence, systemic racism and misinformation. History has shown the consequences of discrimination and unethical practices in society and in medicine, and we cannot stand idly by as it continues.

As physicians, advocates and members of our communities, we have a responsibility to foster trust, promote equity and ensure that health care is a space of healing for all.

What’s Next

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

Before intern year takes over, I plan on spending quality time with my loved ones and visiting family in Mexico. I also want to tackle my reading list before life gets busy again! I am looking forward to graduating and getting to know my future co-residents.

My goals going into residency are to brace myself for the training ahead, apply what I’ve learned so far and make room for what is to come. I know residency is going to be challenging, but I hope to hold onto my “why,” make time for my health and continue growing into the person I aspire to be — both professionally and personally.

The College of Medicine – Phoenix Culture

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

As cheesy as it sounds, I truly will miss the people the most! No matter where everyone’s journey takes them, I am leaving the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix with lifelong friends and mentors. Maybe medical school was not all about my Anki Settings, but the friends I made along the way.

My advice for incoming medical students is something my therapist often reminded me of, a quote from Theodore Roosevelt: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Your path will look different from your classmates, and that is okay.

Focus on how you best show up for yourself. Treat yourself with the same kindness you offer to others because medical school is challenging enough without being your own worst critic.

Also, congratulations on this milestone! Without a doubt, you will achieve many more during your time here. It might feel difficult to celebrate milestones without thinking about everything else you need to get done but try to reflect on how far you have come whenever you get a second to spare.

It is okay to be proud of yourself! If it helps, take social media breaks, and spend time with people outside of medicine. This can help you stay connected to who you are when stress and self-doubt are not clouding your perspective.

Finally, remember that you are more than just a medical student. You are a whole person outside of medicine, and that will always matter.