Fourth-year T.H. Chan School of Medicine students Elisa Rocha, MS, and Constantine Velmahos successfully matched through the Urology Residency Match Program and learned this month where they will serve their residencies. Rocha matched at UMass Chan; Velmahos is headed to Massachusetts General Hospital.
“After experiencing the culture and incredible training that residents get here, I knew I wanted to stay,” Rocha said. “I found my passion for urology here. I’m thrilled to be continuing my education in this supportive and collaborative community.”
The Utah-born Rocha has lived in Massachusetts, Brazil and California. She studied global health and theater at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and earned a progressive master’s degree in clinical global medicine. She’s interested in pursuing a fellowship in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery or pediatric urology.
“I chose urology because it’s an incredible specialty that provides so many different pathways,” she said. “Urology will allow me to develop advanced surgical skills and critical thinking while also maintaining continuity of care with my patients.”
Last October, Rocha travelled to Rwanda on a urogynecology mission to surgically repair fistulas, which are holes between the birth canal and rectum or bladder that can develop as a result of obstructed or prolonged labor. In the future, she hopes to implement interventions focused on improving access to urologic care for the underserved populations in the Worcester area and abroad.
“People don’t often recognize surgery, especially surgical subspecialities, as being a vital part of global health,” she said. “My experience in Rwanda is an example of the importance of improving access to urologic care in under-resourced areas.”
Velmahos said he chose urology because the specialty embraces innovation. In the future, he hopes to find ways to blend artificial intelligence into urologic care.
“With AI, a unique opportunity exists to accelerate urologic treatments, witness improved outcomes, and streamline health care systems,” Velmahos said. “I’m inspired to be at the forefront of that movement and help craft efficient, effective care for all patients.”
“Urologic patients are the ones who often suffer in silence due to embarrassing symptoms like incontinence or sexual dysfunction. They seek compassionate communication the most, and I’m inspired to connect, understand and make them feel heard.”
Velmahos said his journey to medical school began with his parents’ immigration from Greece nearly three decades ago. The Los Angeles-born medical student recalls his family’s relocation to Boston and summers spent in Greece. He studied computer science and biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and worked at a health care biotech startup before realizing that patient care was his passion.
“Curiosity and problem-solving have always been my driving forces,” said Velmahos. “Despite my fascination with artificial intelligence, I found myself yearning for a career that allowed me to directly impact people’s lives. It was within the walls of medical school that I discovered the fulfillment I had been seeking—a perfect fusion of my interests and aspirations.”
Velmahos emphasized the importance of making patients feel at ease.
“Urologic patients are the ones who often suffer in silence due to embarrassing symptoms like incontinence or sexual dysfunction,” said Velmahos. “They seek compassionate communication the most, and I’m inspired to connect, understand and make them feel heard.”
UMass Chan Medical School also has graduating students participating in the Ophthalmology Residency Matching Program and the military match, both of which announce residencies before Match Day on March 15. That’s when most graduating medical students across the country taking part in the National Resident Matching Program learn where they will begin their medical careers. UMass Chan News will feature students in all three programs in the coming weeks.
