Local college student accepted to highly coveted program

Reporter Lauren Duffel spoke with Kailee Bunte about her educational journey to achieving her dream as an OB/GYN.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - National Match Day for medical students was this month, and one local marked the day by getting accepting into a highly coveted program.

Local Yuma native Kailee Bunte is a first-generation medical student. She accepted a residency position in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) at the University of Colorado Medical School of Medicine.

Matching in OB/GYN is highly competitive, and matching with her top choice program is a testament to her dedication and hard work.

"Being a first-generation means so much to me. I think that even going through medical school and seeing the different backgrounds from my colleagues that mine is very different, and that holds a lot of value," Bunte expressed.

Bunte will start her residency program in June and is looking forward to giving back to the community.

Her mother couldn't be more proud of her daughter's accomplishments of becoming a doctor and advocating for her community's health

"It's hard to talk about her without crying because I do get overwhelmed. I think every parent wants their child to do better than they do and have a better quality life. I'm just so proud to be able to call her my daughter," she shared.

Bunte is a pillar in the Yuma community as a volunteer and serves on the National Board of the Latino Medical School Students Association, and is an inspiration to her community and her family.

From being a first-generation student to earning a place in the OB/GYN residency, Bunte's journey proves that perseverance and heart can move mountains.