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December 2025 Illuminator Newsletter

Shining a Light on Match News that Matters

This issue of the Illuminator includes:

You Asked, We Listened: New Offerings from the NRMP®

The NRMP is grateful for the continued engagement and thoughtful conversation we have received over the past few months! Based on your feedback, we are shaping multiple initiatives to enhance the transition to residency.

Some highlights are below:

  • Charting Outcomes™: Characteristics of Applicants Who Match to Their Preferred Specialty – Now Annual!
  • Charting Outcomes™: Medical School Report and Charting Outcomes™: Institution Report are now available! Program Reports are coming soon.
  • Earlier Outreach to Applicants
  • Applicant Survey and Program Director Survey Enhancements
  • Expanding Thought Leadership

To learn more about these new offerings, read our message on the NRMP website.

NRMP Research Presentations Now Available

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2025 NRMP Transition to Residency Conference in Washington, DC. Research presentations from the conference are now available and can be accessed on the Research tab of the NRMP Insights hub. 

We hope these presentations support your ongoing work in preparing the next generation of physicians. For questions or comments about the presentations, please reach out to media@nrmp.org. 

Watch and Share! New Matching Algorithm Video

Our How the NRMP Matching Algorithm Works video explains how the algorithm matches applicants into training programs. The video covers myths and misperceptions about the algorithm and provides a sample Match to help you better understand the process.  

Key takeaway from the video? The most effective ranking strategy for Match participants is to rank based on genuine preferences.

We encourage you to share the video with your colleagues, faculty members, advisors, and applicants, and stay tuned as we highlight additional videos throughout the Match season! 

2026 Main Residency Match® Resources and Reminders

Registration Reminders

Program, institution, and medical school staff must register their individual user account in the NRMP’s R3 system before Friday, January 30, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Medical school staff and faculty – please remind your students to register for the Match through the NRMP. Students who do not register before Friday, January 30, at 11:59 p.m. ET, will incur an additional fee of $50 for late registration. Registration will remain open until Wednesday, March 4, at 9 p.m. ET, which is also the ranking deadline. Students should be aware that when ranking opens on Monday, February 2, programs will not be able to rank applicants not registered with the NRMP.

If you have any questions, assistance is available from the NRMP support staff Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET by emailing support@nrmp.org or calling 866-653-NRMP (6767).

Quota Change Deadline

Programs must also review their quota prior to the Quota Change Deadline on Friday, January 30, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Each program’s quota from the prior Match year is carried over to the current Match year. Program directors are responsible for ensuring the program’s quota is accurate before the deadline.

Joint Advanced/Preliminary (A/P) Program Arrangements

The Registration, Ranking, and Results® (R3®) system offers institutions and programs in the Main Residency Match the option to link an advanced PGY-2 program with a preliminary PGY-1 program. 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.

The deadline to set up a joint A/P arrangement is Friday, January 30. Joint A/P arrangements must be finalized in the R3 system before ranking begins.

Programs and institutions – View a step-by-step support guide on how to set up a joint A/P arrangement in the R3 system. If you need additional assistance, contact support@nrmp.org.

Upcoming Educational Webinars

Medical schools – The NRMP is hosting a Verifying Graduation Credentials for the Main Residency Match webinar on Thursday, January 22, at 1 p.m. ET. Geared toward NRMP medical school officials and administrators, the webinar will include how to verify the graduation credentials of your students and graduates to participate in the Match, including important deadlines, using the R3 system, and policy information. We’ll also cover important ranking reminders to provide your students. Registration is required.

Residency programs – We are hosting a Ranking in the 2026 Main Residency Match for Programs webinar on Tuesday, January 27, at 1 p.m. ET. Learn how the ranking process and matching algorithm work, and understand the roles and responsibilities of program staff in ranking applicants using the R3 system. We’ll also cover key topics including the upcoming Quota Change Deadline, setting your SOAP participation status, and important Match policies to help you navigate the process successfully. Registration is required.

Fellowship Match Resources and Reminders

Match Day for the Medicine and Pediatric Specialties Fellowship Match

Match Day is Wednesday, December 3, at 12 p.m. ET for NRMP’s largest Fellowship Match – the Medicine and Pediatric Specialties Match! Results will be available in the R3 system and by courtesy email.

Remember to tag the NRMP in your celebratory social media posts – we want to help you celebrate Match Day!

Programs and institutions – download and save your reports from the R3 system. The Match closes approximately six months after Match Day so download reports you would like to save for archival purposes.

The press release, infographic, and Match Results Statistics report will be posted on the Match Data webpage on Match Day, Wednesday, December 3, at 12 p.m. ET.

Upcoming Educational Webinar

Fellowship programs – The NRMP is hosting an Introduction to the Fellowship Match webinar on Thursday, January 15, at 1 p.m. ET. The webinar will provide information about program staff roles and responsibilities, managing your program’s participation in the Match, and important policy information. Whether your program is new to the NRMP or you are a veteran program director or coordinator who needs a refresher, this webinar covers all the basics to prepare you for your upcoming fellowship Match. Registration is required.

Policy Corner: Couples in the Match

During interview season, programs often have raised questions about applicants entering a Match as a couple. Below are answers to frequently asked questions about couples that provide clarity and guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are applicants required to disclose that they are participating in the Match as a couple?

No, applicants are not required under policy to disclose that information. While applicants may indicate in their application they are participating in the Match as a couple, this disclosure is voluntary and should not be required. A cornerstone of the Match is that applicants be able to move through the process without undue pressure or coercion with respect to ranking and training preferences.

Can programs contact other programs at their institution to ask if they intend to interview or would consider interviewing an applicant’s partner?

Yes, programs within the same institution may communicate with each other about applicants participating in the Match as a couple if couple status has been voluntarily disclosed or highlighted in application materials. This can allow programs to coordinate on logistics and potentially make it easier for a couple to accept interview invitations.

Should a program rank an applicant who is in the Match as a couple if the applicant’s partner did not receive an interview at the same institution?

Programs should create rank order lists based on the perceived strength of the application and alignment of the applicant with program needs and mission. Programs cannot anticipate how a couple may choose to move through the Match or what their priorities ultimately may be (e.g., willing to be in same geographic location if they cannot be in the same city). NRMP always recommends that ranking decisions be based on true preferences.

As a school advisor, are there resources from NRMP that help students who are thinking about matching as a couple?

Yes, NRMP maintains a page on its website dedicated to Couples in the Match. We offer videos, tips, and support guides to help applicants understand the process and maximize their Match experience.

For any 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 2026 Main Residency Match cycle.

NRMP Office Closed for the Holidays

The NRMP office will be closed beginning on Thursday, December 25, through Thursday, January 1, for the holiday season.

The office will reopen on Friday, January 2, at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and healthy holiday season!

Upcoming Deadlines

Medicine and Pediatric Specialties

  • December 3, 12 p.m. ET: Match Day

Rehabilitation Medicine

  • December 3, 9 p.m. ET: Rank Order List Certification Deadline

Psychiatry, Sports Medicine

  • December 3, 11:59 p.m. ET: Quota Change Deadline

Rehabilitation Medicine

  • December 17, 12 p.m. ET: Match Day

Psychiatry, Sports Medicine

  • December 17, 9 p.m. ET: Rank Order List Certification Deadline

Careers

NRMP is growing to meet the needs of the community. We currently have two positions open:

  • Data Analyst
  • Senior Business Intelligence Analyst

For more information, please visit our Careers page. NRMP is an equal opportunity employer.