Match Day Profile: Patrick Quarles

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 Patrick Quarles

Originally from Columbus, Georgia, Patrick Quarles moved to Arizona in 2016 after completing his service in the U.S. Navy. He then attended Arizona State University for his undergraduate studies. 

Throughout his medical school journey, his family and friends have been his biggest supporters. He credits their continuous encouragement for carrying him to this point in his life, and he is immensely grateful for his support system.

Path Toward Medicine

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

My time in the military sparked my interest in medicine, and during my service as a Hospital Corpsman, I quickly realized that I wanted to become a physician. I was fascinated by the opportunity to learn and observe the impact of modern medicine firsthand, particularly in fast-paced clinical environments. I took every opportunity to learn and grow, knowing that those experiences would eventually lead me to this moment in my life.

Choosing a Specialty

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

I am particularly interested in pursuing anesthesiology. The specialty appeals to me because of its combination of physiology, critical thinking and the ability to provide immediate, life-saving interventions. My experiences in the military and my exposure to high-acuity patient care drew me toward environments where quick decision-making and teamwork are essential. Anesthesiology allows me to continue working in that type of fast-paced, high-stakes setting while playing a critical role in ensuring patient safety and comfort during some of the most vulnerable moments in their care.

What’s Next

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

Looking ahead, I hope to eventually specialize in pediatric anesthesiology, with a focus on serving children and families in underserved communities. I am passionate about improving access to high-quality care for vulnerable populations and ensuring that every patient receives safe and compassionate treatment. 

I also hope to contribute to the advancement of medicine by continuing to mentor medical students and pre-med students who aspire to forge their own paths in medicine and STEM. Supporting and guiding the next generation of physicians is something that is deeply meaningful to me, and I hope to pay forward the mentorship and support that helped shape my own journey.

The College of Medicine – Phoenix Culture

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

What I will miss most about the College of Medicine – Phoenix is the incredible faculty and support staff who have become some of my biggest supporters on campus. They created a space for me during a time when higher education often left me feeling like I didn’t have a seat at the table. I was always able to come to them for guidance, support and encouragement, and those relationships played a huge role in helping me succeed. I will also deeply miss my classmates, especially my fellow Pathway Scholars alumni, who have truly become like family. Watching all of us grow and become physicians has been an incredible experience, and I know I will look back on these memories and realize that these were some of the best times of my life.

My advice to incoming students is to try to enjoy this time in medical school. It is one of the most challenging yet rewarding periods of your life. Lean on your classmates and faculty and work together to foster the kind of supportive community that medical education truly needs.