After suffering a devastating national motocross racing injury that broke his right femur in half, Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) alum Devin Caugh, MD, didn’t lose his spirit. In fact, he got back on the track as soon as he finished rehab and credits the experience for introducing him to the field of anesthesiology. On March 15, Devin’s dream of becoming an anesthesiologist came true.
“I literally jumped up from my seat, grabbed my pup Cooper and called my parents to share the news,” Devin exclaimed about Monday’s reveal that he matched into an anesthesiology residency program, part of this year’s National Resident Matching Program® (The MATCH ℠). Four days later, he learned he’ll be joining Baystate Medical Center in Massachusetts, his number-one ranked program. “I’m ecstatic! It’s close to home, on the East coast and a close-knit program.” Reflecting on his journey, he said, “RUSM gave me the opportunity to pursue medicine and I graduated with highest honors and matched into my specialty of choice. It’s phenomenal.”
Devin also praised the Empower Scholarship Fund for the opportunity to win an award that helped fund his last two years of med school. “I’ve had so much support, from advisors and faculty to my friends and family. Everyone kept motivating me and challenging me to keep pushing through.”
Giving His All
In 2014, Devin hung up his racing boots to focus on academics. Upon arrival at RUSM, he became a clinical coordinator for the Ross Emergency Medicine Association and assisted with the organization’s free diabetic clinics. When Hurricane Maria hit the island of Dominica in 2017, Devin joined the Hurricane Maria Student Aid Task Force to collect student information as well as provide evacuation tickets and other necessary support. He also had the opportunity to co-author a case report during his clinical rotations.
“It certainly has been a journey with many unexpected twists and turns,” which coincidentally helped him connect with some residency interviewers who were RUSM grads. “We were able to bond on a different level because they know what you’ve gone through and can relate to your experience.”
Post residency, the outdoorsy doctor from Virginia plans to work in academia to “give back to the community” or possibly complete a fellowship in pain management. Devin encourages future MATCH candidates to work hard and trust in the process. “We have all put so much time, blood, sweat and tears into our education and The MATCH is where it finally feels real — you land your first job as a physician and train to be the best you can be in your field!”
Visit our MATCH Day webpage to read more success stories, and check out where this year’s participants are headed — 2021 Residency Appointment List.
Road to Residency Library
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