January 2024 Illuminator

Shining a Light on Match News that Matters

This issue of the Illuminator includes:

  • 2024 Main Residency Match deadlines
  • Policy reminders about complete, timely, and accurate information
  • Standard registration deadline for Main Residency Match applicants
  • Recording of the NRMP Policy Updates webinar for fellowship programs
  • Main Residency Match ranking webinar for programs
  • Introduction to the Fellowship Match webinar scheduled
  • Upcoming deadlines

2024 Main Residency Match Deadlines for Programs and Institutions

January 31 at 11:59 p.m. ET is an important deadline for programs in the 2024 Main Residency Match: 

Quota Change and Withdrawal Deadline: Programs must log into the NRMP’s R3 system and review their quota or withdraw from the Match by January 31, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Setting Up a Joint A/P Program Arrangement Deadline: Institutions and programs in the Main Residency Match have the option to link an advanced PGY-2 program with a preliminary PGY-1 program in the R3 system. Linking a preliminary position with an advanced training position allows programs to create a training pathway at the same institution for applicants interested in specialties that begin in the PGY-2 year.  

SOAP Participation Status Deadline: Programs that intend to participate in the Match Week Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) must set the program’s SOAP Participation Status to “Yes” in the R3 system. Programs that have not filled all of their positions once the matching algorithm has processed are eligible to participate in SOAP. Programs who choose not to participate in SOAP and who have unfilled positions after the matching algorithm has processed, must wait to fill open positions until after SOAP concludes.  

Assistance is available from the NRMP Support Team Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET by emailing support@nrmp.org or calling 866-653-NRMP (6767). 

Policy Corner: Complete, Timely, and Accurate Information

With the 2024 Main Residency Match cycle in full swing, it is important that all Match participants remember to provide complete, timely, and accurate information throughout the recruitment, interview, ranking, matching, and onboarding processes. To that end, we want to highlight key elements of the NRMP’s policies on the topic and provide clarification on common questions.

Important Elements to the Policy:

  • Programs must disclose their required application service(s)/process(es) at the start of recruitment for both the Main Residency Match and SOAP. (Section 6.3.1 – Match Participation Agreement for Programs)
  • Programs must provide a copy of the appointment agreement matched applicants will be expected to sign, if available, prior to the Rank Order List Certification Deadline. Applicants must be notified of any subsequent material changes. (Section 6.3.1 – Match Participation Agreement for Programs)
  • Programs must communicate, in writing, all institutional policies regarding eligibility criteria (e.g. expected credentials, pre-employment testing, background checks, licensure, etc.) applicants would complete if matched to the program and obtain signed confirmation from interviewees prior to the Rank Order List Certification Deadline. (Section 6.3.1 – Match Participation Agreement for Programs)
  • Applicants must submit complete, timely, and accurate information through the 45th day following the start date as listed in the appointment contract for the position obtained through the Match or SOAP. Information to disclose includes, among other things, anything that could impact the ability to satisfy program requirements; circumstances that may delay or adversely impact an applicant’s ability to commence training; or information relevant to licensure status or visa status. (Section 6.3 – Match Participation Agreement for Applicants)
  • Medical schools also must submit complete, timely, and accurate information. School officials must report to the program(s) any change in academic status, graduation date, or eligibility for applicants who have matched or accepted a position through SOAP. (Section 5.2 – Match Participation Agreement for Schools)

Frequently Asked Questions by Programs around Complete, Timely, and Accurate Information:

Are programs required to obtain a signed (electronic or written acknowledgement of institution and program policies and eligibility requirements from all applicants or only those who interview with the program?

Programs should obtain signed (electronic or written) acknowledgement of receipt from all applicants they interview. Programs are not required to obtain the signature of applicants they did not interview; however, programs should ensure the information is made available via electronic (website) or written means. 

When should programs provide institutional policies, program policies, and eligibility requirements to applicants?

Information pertaining to institutional policies, program policies, and eligibility requirements should be made available to all applicants at the start of the transition cycle. This can be easily accomplished by posting the information to the program’s website. Policy information and eligibility requirements must be provided to all applicants who interview with a program prior to the Rank Order List Certification Deadline, or an offer extended during SOAP.

Do programs have to disclose the application process(es) they intend to use for both Main Match and SOAP to applicants?

Yes, NRMP policy requires that all programs inform applicants about the specific application service(s) or process(es) they intend to use during the 2024 Main Residency Match and SOAP. 

For questions regarding Match policies, please contact NRMP Policy at policy@nrmp.org. We are here to help and look forward to supporting you throughout the 2024 Main Residency Match cycle.

Standard Registration Deadline for Main Residency Match Applicants is January 31, 2024

Applicants who do not register for the 2024 Main Residency Match before January 31, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET will incur an additional fee of $50 for late registration; however, they will be able to register for the Match until the Rank Order List Certification Deadline on February 28, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET. Applicants should be aware that when ranking opens on February 1, 2024, programs will not be able to rank applicants not registered with the NRMP. 

Assistance is available from the NRMP Support Team Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET by emailing support@nrmp.org or calling 866-653-NRMP (6767). 

Educational Webinars for Residency and Fellowship Program and Institution Staff

Recording Available! 2024 NRMP Policy Updates Webinar for SMS Fellowship Programs

The NRMP recently hosted a 2024 NRMP Policy Updates Webinar for SMS Fellowship Programs.

This webinar was designed for fellowship program staff and provides policy education on the SMS Match Participation Agreements for all fellowship Matches opening after January 1, 2024.

A recording of the webinar is available on the website.

The Main Residency Match Ranking Webinar for Programs is Scheduled for January 23, 2024

Please join Jeanette Calli, Chief of Match Operations, and David Dojcsak-Sparks, Senior Manager of Policy and Compliance, for an educational webinar about ranking for programs in the Main Residency Match on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 1 pm ET.

The webinar will provide education and insight to assist program staff in ranking applicants and provide information about quota changes and withdrawals, setting SOAP participation status in R3, creating and certifying a rank order list, Match policies, and more.

A registration link has been sent to all 2024 Main Residency Match program and institution staff.

Introduction to the Fellowship Match Webinar is scheduled for February 6, 2024

The NRMP is hosting an Introduction to the Fellowship Match webinar on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 1 pm ET.

In this webinar, Jeanette Calli, Chief of Match Operations, and David Dojcsak-Sparks, Senior Manager of Policy and Compliance, will provide an overview of Match processes and policies, program staff roles and responsibilities, managing the program’s participation in the Match, ranking applicants, and policy information.

This is a biannual webinar. An email with additional details and a registration link will be emailed to fellowship program and institution staff associated with a Fellowship Match that has Match Day through September.

Another session will be provided on Tuesday, July 16, at 1 pm ET, for programs associated with a Fellowship Match that has Match Day through the end of the year.

Upcoming Deadlines

Psychiatry, Sports Medicine

  • January 10, 12:00 p.m. ET: Match Day

Main Residency Match Standard Registration Deadline, Quota Change and Withdrawal, Joint A/P, and SOAP Participation Status Deadline

  • January 31, 11:59 p.m. ET