On March 20, Michigan State University medical students celebrated as they matched at Henry Ford Health. The annual event marks the transition from medical school to residency, as students learn where they will continue their clinical training.
The day represented a significant milestone in their training and underscored the strength of the Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences partnership. This year, a total of 39 MSU medical students from the College of Osteopathic Medicine and 29 from the College of Human Medicine matched at Henry Ford Health across a range of specialties.
“Honestly, words can’t explain how I feel right now,” said Ali Bazzi, who will specialize in emergency medicine at Henry Ford Hospital, where his brother also trained in the same specialty. “It’s something I’ve always dreamed of and being able to continue that family legacy is what I’m most proud of.”
As the 2026 class of the MSU College of Human Medicine Detroit Campus, Bazzi and 18 of his fellow classmates celebrated during the Friday event. Among them, seven students matched at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit as part of the campus’s third annual Match Day.
“I am proud of you!” shouted the father of Seraj Farhat, who delivered the student address alongside classmate Abena Osei as class representatives.
The father’s words sparked a powerful moment during the ceremony, during which MSU’s Detroit Campus Community Assistant Dean Nakia Allen, M.D., FAAP, encouraged parents and families throughout the room to share their pride. Allen hoped students would remember the moment and draw on it during the challenges of residency.
The rest of the morning was filled with anticipation, relief, and joy as students opened their envelopes and looked ahead to the next phase of their training.
“I’m just so excited and grateful to continue my medical career with Henry Ford,” said Mariam Habhab, who matched in anesthesiology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. “This is my dream program.”
For many students, a sense of connection to MSU and Henry Ford shaped their interests and commitment as they prepare to begin residency. This included Habhab, who shared her appreciation of the program’s community, education, and the way physicians care for patients in their most vulnerable moments.
“To be able to continue serving the Detroit community and its patients is such a pleasure,” Habhab said.
Not far from the Detroit campus, MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine students also celebrated Match Day in Novi, joining peers, faculty and mentors for a memorable gathering.
For osteopathic medical student Manha Azam, who matched neurology at Henry Ford Warren Hospital, the moment of opening the envelope brought a wave of emotion.
“I was really surprised. I think I kept my expectations pretty low because…I didn't want to be disappointed,” Azam said. “I was going to be happy with wherever I matched. But getting my top choice was an amazing surprise.”
For many students, Match Day represents both accomplishment and the responsibility that comes with preparing for the next phase of training.
“I’m excited to start residency and become a good doctor,” said Shadman Kazi, who will specialize in anesthesiology at Henry Ford St. John Hospital.
MSU students will begin residency training across the Henry Ford Health system this summer in both academic and clinical settings.
“I’m relieved, excited and nervous,” said College of Osteopathic Medicine class president Evan Schumacher, who matched in general surgery at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital. “I’m committed to the future.”
Many students who train within Henry Ford Health continue their careers locally, helping to expand access to care and serve communities across Michigan.
More information about Match Day results across Michigan State University is available through the College of Human Medicine and the College of Osteopathic Medicine, and additional photos from the Detroit campus celebrations can be viewed here.
