Match Week is one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the lives of final-year medical students across the UK and beyond, marking the culmination of several years of rigorous study. During this pivotal week, students learn whether they have been successful in securing a residency placement, an essential step in their journey towards becoming fully-fledged doctors.
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The week typically kicks off on a Monday, offering hopeful candidates the tantalising news via email that they have matched with a residency programme—an announcement that fills many halls of medical schools with excitement and celebration. However, the atmosphere quickly changes as Friday approaches, when students discover the specific locations of their residencies. This moment, often dubbed Match Day, is a blend of jubilation for some and bittersweet disappointment for others.
Dr. Arazoo Shwany’s experience on Match Day 2025 serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional highs and lows that accompany this significant milestone. While she successfully secured a place in a Psychiatry residency, the programme was not her first choice. Dr. Shwany candidly described her feelings as “shattered” upon receiving the news, a stark contrast to her initial joy earlier in the week.
“On Monday, I felt a sense of elation,” Dr. Shwany shared with PEOPLE. However, by Friday, that joy had transformed into grief. Although she was thankful to match into a programme, her ideal scenario—training close to her family and friends—had been disrupted. “I had a very clear vision of where I wanted to be, and that was shattered in an instant.”
Medical students often find themselves consumed by the anticipation of matching, frequently imagining the sense of belonging and satisfaction that comes with their top choices. With no feedback from residency programmes until Match Week, dreams can be built up only to be dashed when placements do not align with personal ambitions. Dr. Shwany expressed her sorrow over the loss of this vision, stating, “It felt like a part of myself was almost lost.”
Despite her disappointment, Dr. Shwany acknowledged the pervasive atmosphere of joy among her peers on Match Day. “I felt immense gratitude for simply matching, as thousands of students do not get that opportunity,” she stated. However, her feelings were at odds with the celebration happening around her. While many students shared their successes openly, Dr. Shwany found herself grappling with feelings of isolation, as few discussed their less-than-ideal outcomes.
Recognising this gap in conversation, Dr. Shwany chose to share her vulnerability online, understanding that other students might be experiencing similar feelings of disappointment. Her heartfelt TikTok video, which detailed her emotional journey, resonated with many, drawing comments from individuals across different fields who related to the theme of redirection and unexpected outcomes.
In the weeks following Match Day, Dr. Shwany began to embrace her new reality. Moving thousands of miles away from home presented challenges, but she ultimately recognised that the programme was better suited to her professional development than she had initially perceived. “I didn’t realise it at the time, but this programme was exactly what I needed,” she reflected.
Today, Dr. Shwany is thriving in her residency, using her journey to encourage others who may feel disheartened after Match Day. “Everyone is entitled to their feelings during this pivotal time,” she said. “It’s important to acknowledge the years of dedication that this moment represents. Take time to grieve the dreams that didn’t come to fruition but be open to celebrating your achievements.”
As Match Week approaches annually, it serves as an important reminder that while aspirations may shift and plans change, the commitment to the field of medicine remains a monumental achievement. Each medical student’s journey is unique and shaped by not just their successes but also their ability to navigate challenges along the way. Dr. Shwany’s story exemplifies the value of resilience and the necessity of allowing space for disappointment while also celebrating accomplishments.
In the end, Match Week is more than just a series of emails; it encapsulates years of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to learning—a reality that resonates deeply with all who have worn the doctor’s white coat.