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Medical students rejoice on Match Day

Tar Heels from the UNC School of Medicine celebrated the discovery of residency placements, a record number coming in North Carolina.

Photos by Jon Gardiner, University Communications and Marketing, Monday, March 23rd, 2026
A U.N.C. Chapel Hill medical student emotionally reacting to her residency placement during Match Day while being embraced by a loved one.
Sierra Parkinson ’21, ’26 (MD) reacts to matching with UNC Hospitals for her residency on Match Day, held at Roper Hall on March 20. (Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill)

One by one, they retrieved the Carolina Blue envelopes holding the next steps in their medical careers. And with each opening, jubilation ensued alongside classmates, family and friends.

Fourth-year UNC School of Medicine students celebrated Match Day at Roper Hall on March 20, the culmination of years of hard work and preparations for the health careers they’re one step closer to beginning.

These Tar Heels now know where they’ll work as resident physicians for the next several years. This year, a record 88 students received in-state placements, with 45 coming at UNC Health hospitals.

View photos from the celebration and click to enlarge.

A U.N.C. medical stduent smiling as she's given a Carolina Blue envelope containing her residency placement. Other students are waiting in line behind her.

Overhead angle of two U.N.C. Chapel Hill students using Sharpies to fill out "I Matched!" signs at Match Day.

Two U.N.C. Chapel Hill medical students smiling for a photo while a family member holds up cardboard cutouts of their faces during Match Day.

A U.N.C. medical student posing for a photo while holding her Match Day letter.

A U.N.C. medical student posing with two other people for a photo in front of balloons spelling "MATCH 2026" taken by a person with an iPhone on Match Day.

A medical student hugging a family member at Match Day at U.N.C. Chapel Hill.

Four U.N.C. Chapel Hill medical students posing for a photo outside of Roper Hall with "I Matched!" signs during Match Day.

Cristy Page speaking to an audience from a stage at U.N.C. Chapel Hill's Match Day. Standing next to Page is Samantha Meltzer-Brody.

A U.N.C. Chapel Hill medical student smiling as he holds up an unopened Carolina Blue envelope containing his residency match.

A couple embracing during Match Day at U.N.C. Chapel Hill.

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