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A Record Match Day

Medical students react and celebrate after opening their residency match envelopes during Match Day on March 20, 2026, at the UNC School of Medicine in Chapel Hill.

An unprecedented number of UNC School of Medicine graduates will remain in North Carolina to provide care at health systems and community hospitals across the Tar Heel state.

They will join the many UNC School of Medicine graduates currently practicing in 95 North Carolina counties.

On March 20, the Class of 2026 discovered where they will work as resident physicians over the next several years during Match Day festivities in Roper Hall on UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus.

Moments before students ripped open their Carolina blue Match Day envelopes, Dr. Cristy Page, the Dean of UNC School of Medicine and CEO of UNC Health, advised each of them to take time to celebrate.

Page is a graduate of the UNC School of Medicine and completed her own residency training in family medicine at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill.

Medical students react and celebrate after opening their residency match envelopes during Match Day on March 20, 2026, at the UNC School of Medicine in Chapel Hill.

“Take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments and feel proud. And then, as you move forward in your career, to spend time clarifying your personal values and sense of purpose,” Page said. “Be the very best in your chosen specialty, be the teammate your colleagues can count on. If you can do those things, more opportunities will come your way, and you will find success.”

According to Match Day results, UNC-Chapel Hill students make up the largest number of graduating medical students who will stay in North Carolina for their residency.

Eighty-eight UNC School of Medicine students will start their residency in North Carolina, and 45 of those students will begin their training at UNC Health’s hospitals.

As these new physicians begin their work across the state, they will join generations of Tar Heel doctors in caring for the people of North Carolina.

“Match Day is a defining moment of your medical journey and something you’ll always remember,” said Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody, Executive Dean of UNC School of Medicine. “No matter where your next step takes you, I can assure you that you are prepared.  Congratulations to our students and families on this incredibly special day. We are very proud of you!”

Medical students react and celebrate after opening their residency match envelopes during Match Day on March 20, 2026, at the UNC School of Medicine in Chapel Hill.

One hundred and forty-five students matched in high need specialties, including pediatrics, family medicine, general surgery, OBGYN, medicine pediatrics and internal medicine.

Many of these students will fill a much-needed void in providing rural health care in underserved areas.

During the 2026 residency program selection process, 97% of graduating UNC-Chapel Hill medical students secured a spot to complete the next level of their education.

The UNC School of Medicine’s final placement rate was 99%.