Doctors' Match Week Emotions Captivate TikTok

Residency placement videos showcase the highs and lows of medical training's most pivotal moment.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 9:04am by Ben Kaplan

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Each March, thousands of medical school students and graduates anxiously await emails that will determine the next step in their careers - their residency placements. Many have taken to posting videos of their reactions on TikTok and Instagram, capturing the joy of those who match with their top choices, as well as the disappointment of those who do not. These emotional videos have struck a chord with viewers, who seem to delight in celebrating the successes of people they've never met.

Why it matters

The residency match process is highly competitive and can have a profound impact on the lives of aspiring doctors. These social media videos offer a window into this pivotal moment, sparking a parasocial connection between viewers and the medical students featured. However, the curated nature of the content can also leave some feeling isolated if their own match outcomes don't align with the picture-perfect celebrations.

The details

During Match Week, medical students and graduates find out if they have been placed in the residency programs of their choice. The National Resident Matching Program uses an algorithm to determine placements based on the preferences of both applicants and programs. For many, receiving their match results is an emotional experience, leading them to document the moment on TikTok and Instagram. Successful matches often feature joyful, celebratory videos, while unmatched applicants may feel embarrassed to share their disappointment publicly.

  • Match Week takes place each March, when medical students and graduates receive their residency placements.
  • On Friday, March 21, 2026, many future residents will learn which programs they will be joining.

The players

Dr. Ecem Saritas

A 27-year-old medical school graduate who matched into a residency program and posted a celebratory video on TikTok.

Preeya Shah

A 26-year-old business consultant who enjoys watching Match Week videos on TikTok, having experienced the process through her friends.

Dr. Sijia Zhang

A 27-year-old psychiatry resident at the University of California, San Francisco, who has observed the emotional highs and lows of the residency match process.

Dr. Tawfiq Turjman

A 24-year-old medical graduate from Barrow-in-Furness, England, who initially did not match but reapplied the following year and was successful.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not normally one to cry over strangers on the internet, but there's something about seeing someone achieve their lifelong dream.”

— Preeya Shah, Business consultant

“It's easier for students to share a happy video, an exciting video, rather than sharing a video where they're not receiving the best news. That can feel very embarrassing and vulnerable to put out on the internet.”

— Dr. Sijia Zhang, Psychiatry resident

“A lot of people who remembered my reaction to my unsuccessful attempt last year, this year, they were very happy to see me make it.”

— Dr. Tawfiq Turjman

What’s next

On Friday, March 21, 2026, many future residents will learn which programs they will be joining, often in emotional, envelope-opening ceremonies that are also shared on social media.

The takeaway

The residency match process is a high-stakes, emotionally charged experience for aspiring doctors, and the social media videos capturing these moments have struck a chord with viewers. However, the curated nature of the content can also leave some feeling isolated if their own match outcomes don't align with the picture-perfect celebrations.