Like Mother, Like Son! Doctor Duo Gets Matched For Residencies On Same Day.

Wenjing Cao and her son Hefei Liu on Match Day

Having a child follow in your footsteps is one of the most flattering experiences a parent can have. It’s a validation of their life path and an indicator that they were more than a parent to their child – they were also a role model.

Wenjing Cao couldn’t be prouder of her son, Hefei Liu, for joining her in a career in medicine… and the feeling is mutual!

Cao graduated from medical school in China and practiced internal medicine there for about 10 years before the family immigrated to the United States in 2006. She has been working as a research scientist at the University of Kansas, but she wanted to become a physician again, so she applied for a residency and training program.

Liu grew up admiring his mother’s intelligence and compassion towards her patients. He decided to become a doctor as well, and will graduate from the Medical College of Wisconsin in the spring. When it came time for him to apply for his own residency and fellowship training programs, he realized he and his mother could potentially be matched with their residency programs at the same time.

And that’s exactly what happened!

The National Resident Matching Program holds “Match Day” each year, when new doctors learn where they will do their residency training. This Match Day was extra special because both Hefei and his mom both got matched at the same time!

Cao will head to the University of Wisconsin-Madison for their clinical pathology residency program. Liu, meanwhile, will return to his childhood home of Philadelphia to work in radiation oncology at the University of Pennsylvania. Both doctors are thrilled with their assignments, and even more thrilled to share this milestone achievement with each other.

Liu says his mother was always his “biggest supporter” growing up.

“Having her match with me on the same day really speaks to who she is, as a person, someone who’s caring, dedicated and hardworking,” he said.

Cao is also full of praise for her son, extolling his hard work, motivation, and kindness. Both mother and son hope their stories encourage others to pursue their goals, no matter how challenging or daunting they may seem.

“I hope my story can inspire so many others like me, at my age, [in their] 50s, and as a mother, as a woman, as an immigrant, [anyone] can pursue their dream, as long as you want it,” said Cao. “It’s your dream, put hard work on it. Keep positive. Stay motivated. You can get it.”

Like mother, like son! Cao clearly showed her son how to be a hard worker and diligent student. We wish them both the best as they pursue their chosen career paths together, separately!

Share this story to send best wishes to the new docs.

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