By Karen Villarreal

HARLINGEN, TEXAS – MARCH 20, 2026 – On Friday, March 20, Ariana Ruiz opened an envelope revealing where she will complete her three‑year residency on her path to becoming a podiatrist.

“Yes, Ochsner! Woo, baby! Louisiana – we did it!” Ruiz exclaimed, waving the letter over her head as her mother and grandmother rushed to embrace her. 

She found out she matched to her top choice program for residency – Ochsner Clinical Foundation in New Orleans, Louisiana.

After completing her residency, she will be a full Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM).

Ruiz, part of the inaugural class at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s School of Podiatric Medicine (SOPM), was among 17 students participating in the school’s first Match Day — an annual rite of passage for graduating medical students.

“Four years ago, we were hosting our first white coat ceremony, and now the students are landing where they wanted to go,” said Dr. Javier La Fontaine, dean of UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine. “This moment represents years of hard work and dedication.” 

La Fontaine said Match Day is not only an exciting milestone for the students and the school, but a historic day for the state, as it represents the success of the only school of podiatric medicine in Texas – and one of 11 throughout the country. 

“Wherever you go, you represent UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine,” he said in his welcome address. “We will always be your home and continue to support you as you grow in podiatric medicine.”

SOPM’S FIRST MATCH DAY

The inaugural graduating SOPM class counted down until 11:00 a.m. at the Match Day ceremony held in the UTRGV Clinical Education building in Harlingen. Then, along with medical students across the country, they opened their envelopes to find out where the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) placed them.

Among cheers from faculty, friends and family, the DPM candidates pinned the spot on a map to represent where they will fulfill their residency. 

After their graduation in May, eight students will enter residency programs in Texas and in states as far away as Oregon and New Jersey.

WELL-PLACED VAQUEROS

Ruiz, who is headed to Ochsner, said she knew from day one of her five-week externship at the foundation that it was the program for her.

“I’m so blessed,” said Ruiz. “I loved the atmosphere and the residents I met, and they have such a strong surgical and clinical program.”

She said she’s especially excited to have matched to Ochsner, along with Katie Castillo, a fellow member of the inaugural class.

“I’m so excited that we will be in New Orleans together, because she’s become one of my good friends,” Ruiz said. “The four years at SOPM flew by.”

Four years ago, Claudia Ruiz, Ariana’s mother, helped her move to Harlingen from Eagle Pass, Texas to attend SOPM. With tears in her eyes, she said she’s so excited to help her daughter on her next move-in day – June 5.

“I’m so happy for her, so proud. I just want to cry, and scream, and yell!” Claudia said. “Our prayers were answered for her to get her first choice because she felt such a connection to the program.”

TEXAS-TRAINED

When she opened her envelope, Stephanie Bender realized she will have the rare distinction of “bleeding orange” her entire academic career – from attending the UTRGV Mathematics and Science Academy for high school, through her undergrad, masters, and SOPM – to matching with UTRGV for her podiatric residency.

“It’s a 360-degree moment for me,” said Bender, who was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley. “I feel very fortunate to have matched to this program, because I get to do my residency in the same community I hope to one day serve as Dr. Bender.” 

After her residency, which will be primarily through Valley Baptist Hospital, Bender hopes to work alongside her father, who is a practicing podiatrist in McAllen and Harlingen. 

“I want to be part of the change that the Valley needs,” she said. “I’m happy to be part of the healthcare team here. It’s a dream come true to stay local.”

Bella Strash, who came to SOPM from San Antonio, also matched to her first choice within Texas – HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood.

“I’m a Texas girl, through and through,” she said. “This is my forever home, so I’m very happy to stay within the state for residency.”

As a future Texas podiatrist, she said she looks forward to joining the Texas Podiatric Medical Association (TPMA).

“They have supported our school so much, and us, so I’m excited to give back to TPMA and UTRGV,” Strash said.  

CARRYING SOPM SPIRIT BEYOND

Nicholas Obias, who served as volunteer coordinator and set the groundwork for SOPM student-led community events, matched to the University of Louisville in Kentucky.

“It’s exciting to go back,” said Obias, who volunteered with the Special Olympics through his externship at Louisville. “I really bonded with the staff and had a good culture fit. I always had a heart for volunteering and outreach. It’s an important part of the profession.”

Obias, a Houston native, said it would be nice to return to Texas after residency to be close to family.

“I’m also open to carrying the UTRGV spirit elsewhere,” he said. “I think UTRGV prepared us really well for what’s to come and put us on a trajectory that will take podiatry to new heights.”

To learn more about the UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine, visit www.utrgv.edu/school-of-podiatric-medicine.