Match Day Student Profile: Shivani Misra

For four years, students at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix have worked toward Match Day — the day they learn where they will spend the next several years as resident-physicians and a major step toward building their career in medicine. Match results are released nationally at ceremonies coordinated to occur at the exact same time across the country. Members of the Class of 2020 will receive letters that reveal where they will go for their residency training at precisely 9:00 a.m. Friday, March 20. The UA College of Medicine – Phoenix is profiling several students in advance of Match Day 2020.

Meet Shivani Misra

Shivani Misra graduated from North Canyon High School in Phoenix and received her BS from the University of Arizona in neuroscience and cognitive science with a certificate in developmental disabilities.

Path toward Medicine

Misra has known for a long time she wanted a career that would include working with children. She considered becoming an elementary school teacher, but wanted a position where she could make a difference on a larger scale. She is pursuing a medical degree, as well as a master’s in public health.

Choosing a Specialty

As an undergraduate, Misra began researching and working with children who had developmental disabilities.

“I quickly fell in love with those amazing children and their endlessly resilient families,” she said. “It's the perfect mix of being there to support little victories, while advocating for those without a voice and being on the cutting edge of science and new treatment options.”

Extracurricular Activities

Misra was a Community Health Initiative – Phoenix (CHIP) leader and had a role in medical school government. She was involved in several activities, including the Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research (SSBTR) charity gala, Wesley Community and Health Center and Night at the Children’s Museum. Outside of school, Misra volunteered with the March of Dimes, the non-profit she has worked with since high school.

Why the College of Medicine – Phoenix

Misra said she fell in love with the College of Medicine – Phoenix during her interview.

“The building is beautiful, the faculty and staff were all friendly and seemed to really care about all the students. My family is in Phoenix, and it just seemed like the right decision.”

Favorite Medical School Memory

Misra’s favorites were late night conversations in the library, escape rooms to celebrate completion of another test and “freaking out over the fact that we are being given the privilege to care for the lives of other human beings and feeling woefully under-qualified.”

Advice to Current or Future Medical Students

“Don’t be afraid to explore new things and follow what you think you’re passionate about. Go out there and figure out exactly what it is that makes you excited to wake up in the mornings, and don’t stop until you’ve found it.”

• More Match Day 2020 Student Profiles.