6 Paths, 1 Purpose: Celebrating Dell Med’s Class of 2026

No two journeys to medicine look the same. Among Dell Med's Class of 2026 alone, one student walked away from a career in finance after realizing it "looked right more than it felt right." Another crafted his own M.D./Ph.D. pathway to pursue research at the intersection of neuroengineering and patient care. Others were shaped by military service, parenthood and experiences navigating care across languages and cultures.

What unites them is a shared belief that medicine is not a default path, but a deliberate choice - one grounded in purpose and centered on the people and communities they serve. In Austin, they trained in an environment designed to rethink care from the ground up and now move forward ready to lead that work.

"The Class of 2026 represents what is possible when purpose, curiosity and compassion come together in medical education," said James R. Korndorffer, Jr., M.D., executive vice dean of education at Dell Medical School. "They have been challenged to think beyond individual encounters and improve care at the system level. We have watched them grow into physicians who lead with humility, think critically and remain deeply committed to the people they serve."

This year, 40 Dell Med students matched into residency programs across the country, achieving a 100% match rate. Half will continue their training in Texas, including 10 at Dell Med, while others will join leading programs nationwide. Eleven students matched into primary care specialties, reinforcing a continued commitment to addressing critical workforce needs.

They take this next step at a time of significant momentum for health care in Austin: The recent announcement of the UT Dell Medical Center marks a major investment in a more connected, patient-centered model of care - one that brings together research, education and clinical innovation.

Some will help build that model here within a system still taking shape. Others will carry it forward, applying what they've learned to improve care for patients and communities wherever they go.

Meet six members of the Class of 2026 and discover the paths that brought them here.