July 29, 2025 — After receiving lifesaving care at University of Florida Health Shands Hospital, Eythan Jiang felt inspired to shift his career goals.

Jiang, who is originally from South Windsor, Connecticut, and earned an economics degree from Columbia University, joins the UF College of Medicine M.D. Class of 2029 with his eyes set on building relationships with the Gainesville community and hitting up the pickleball court in the Florida sunshine.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career as a physician? 

A: When I first began my undergraduate studies at Tsinghua University in Beijing, I was studying economics and working in finance. After my first year, I was hospitalized for severe aplastic anemia and received a bone marrow transplant at UF Health Shands Hospital and continued my studies at Columbia. The incredible physicians I saw and the lifesaving care I received inspired me to change course and pursue medicine.

Q: What drew you to UF’s M.D. program? 

A: Of course, I appreciate UF for saving my life! I am also drawn to the M.D. program because it is closer to my family in Palm Beach, has a supportive culture and great student clubs and resources.

Q: What are you looking forward to most over the next four years in Gainesville?  

A: I am looking forward to building relationships with my classmates and professors, and maybe even catching a few Gator tailgates.

Q: How do you like to spend your free time?  

I enjoy cooking, swimming and trying new restaurants. I am also a new pickleball enthusiast and look forward to playing in the sunny Florida weather again.