Match Day Profile: Raquel Moore

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 2026.

Meet Raquel Moore

Born in Bloomington, Illinois, Raquel Moore moved with her family to Mesa, Arizona during high school. She attended Arizona State University, where she studied biology and African American studies.

At a very young age, Moore knew she wanted to be a physician, and she credits her parents’ enduring support as the catalyst to embark on her medical school journey. She says it was a family-wide endeavor and with the additional support of her younger brother and aunt, she will become the first physician in her family. 

In high school, Moore met her now husband, and he has been with her throughout every step to becoming a physician. From studying with her in undergrad, to coming with her to the doctoring suites during her first year in medical school, to encouraging her during board exams and rotations, he has been with her through it all.  

Path Toward Medicine

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

I knew from a young age that I wanted to become a physician. My parents like to take credit for buying me a Fisher Price doctor play set that I loved, and my younger brother was my first patient. 

Additionally, I have a history of breast cancer on my mother’s side of the family and I have early memories of joining her on breast cancer walks, and watching her participate in multi-day events to raise money for research and support. I remember her having a pamphlet describing the differences in breast cancer rates and access to treatment among different demographics and wanting to know why that occurred. Over time this grew into an interest in social determinants of health and a commitment to underserved communities. Combined with an interest in science and enjoying biology and human anatomy, it led me to want to become a physician to address these issues.

Choosing a Specialty

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

I applied for internal medicine. 

When I started clerkships, I was unsure of what specialty I wanted to go into. Internal medicine happened to be my first rotation. While I enjoyed those two months, it wasn’t until I kept progressing through third-year that I felt internal medicine would be the place for me. I am drawn to the collaborative and problem-solving aspects of internal medicine. I had wonderful medicine subspecialty elective rotations which also confirmed internal medicine residency is the next step for me.

What’s Next

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

After Match Day, my plan is to travel and spend time with my family before residency starts. My goal is to learn as much as I can and become the most competent physician possible during residency. It is also important for me to stay involved with serving the community as a resident physician. 

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! During my time here, I have made great friends who have become more than classmates, and I value these relationships. I also am grateful for the residents and attendings I worked with who were great teachers and supportive, as well.

My advice for incoming medical students would be to say “yes” to opportunities when you can, even if they scare you! If I had let fear hold me back, I would have missed out on incredible experiences that I only had access to as a medical student. 

I would also say that even though it’s challenging, and there are many times where you will be tired, don’t take for granted the privilege we have to become physicians. Most importantly, don’t forget why you went into medicine in the first place. Remain grateful and center on your “why.” It makes a big difference in navigating tough times.