September 2026 Illuminator Newsletter

September 1st, 2026

Shining a Light on Match News that Matters

This issue of the Illuminator includes:

NRMP shares the 2025 – 2026 CEO Message
2027 Main Residency Match registration opens for medical schools and applicants on September 15
New quota verification step for programs
Fellowship Match resources
Research Roundup: NRMP releases 2026 Program Director Survey results
Policy Corner: Binding commitment period
NRMP conference news
Upcoming deadlines
NRMP Careers

NRMP^®President and CEO Dr. Donna Lamb Shares CEO Message

The NRMP is proud to share the 2025-2026 CEO Message. In looking back at the most recent Match cycle, NRMP President and CEO Donna L. Lamb, DHSc, MBA, BSN, champions the performance of the organization’s Matching Programs, progress made in building new data resources and partnerships, and successful efforts to continually engage with the community, all as the UME and GME landscape remains fluid and grows more complex.

NRMP remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and authenticity in all it does. Please read the report to learn more about key successes and achievements from the past year, what lies on the horizon, and how strategic priorities continue to define growth of The Match and its deep commitment to continuous improvement.

2027 Main Residency Match^®Registration for Medical Schools and Applicants Opens on September 15

The 2027 Main Residency Match^® registration for medical schools and applicants will begin on Tuesday, September 15, at 12 p.m. ET. Once registration begins, medical school officials and administrators will receive an instructional email with your username (if you are a returning user to the Registration, Ranking, and Results^® (R3^®) system) or a token (if you are a new user to the R3 system).

Enrolling in Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

NRMP has implemented multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all R3 system users. MFA strengthens account security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to a password each time you log in, helping prevent unauthorized access even if login credentials are compromised. It also enhances protection of sensitive Match data including rank order lists, results, and reports for all users.

How Does MFA Work? When you next log into the R3 system or register a new user account, you will be prompted to enroll in MFA by entering your U.S. mobile phone number or your email address. You will receive a 6-digit verification code by text or email, and you will enter that verification code to prevent unauthorized users accessing your account. View our support guide for step-by-step enrollment instructions and screenshots.

Reminders for the 2027 Main Residency Match

All Match participants must electronically sign the updated Match Participation Agreement as part of the registration process. The Agreements are designed to ensure a fair and equitable matching process by establishing rules all participants must follow.

Review the Codes of Conduct, which offer guidance on ways to ensure honest, transparent actions that promote equity and well-being.

The Match calendars are available on the website for you to stay on track with deadlines, milestones, and important information. There is a specific calendar for each participant type – medical schools, programs/institutions, and applicants.

There is a comprehensive support section on the website to help participants through the Match process, which includes FAQs, support guides, and checklists.

Introduction to the 2027 Main Residency Match for Applicants Webinar

The NRMP released an Introduction to the 2027 Main Residency Match for Applicants webinar.

The webinar provides an overview of Match processes and policies including applicant eligibility, NRMP’s program directory, policy information, and support resources to help applicants through the Match process. The recording and presentation slides are available on the website to provide your applicants.

2027 Main Residency Match Overview for Medical Schools Webinar

The NRMP is hosting a 2027 Main Residency Match Overview for Medical Schools webinar on Thursday, September 10, at 1 p.m. ET.

NRMP Chief of Match Operations, Jeanette Calli, and Director of Policy and Compliance, Joy Gaabucayan, will host a webinar designed to assist medical school staff in the Main Residency Match. The webinar will cover introductory information about the Match, how to manage your students and graduates in the R3 system, relevant policies, and support resources.

Enhanced Video Tutorials

We are excited to announce our enhanced video tutorials, designed specifically to support you on your journey through the Main Residency Match process. These short, instructional videos are a valuable resource as you prepare for the Match process.

New Quota Verification Step for Programs

To help ensure program quota information is accurate, program directors will now be prompted to verify the number of positions they intend to offer in the Match the first time they log in to the R3 system after their program has been activated.

Program directors must verify this information for each program track, even if the quota has not changed. Any quota changes submitted through the verification process will continue to be routed to the institutional official for approval. Thank you for helping maintain accurate program information throughout the Match process.

Fellowship Match Resources

Stay informed with our webinars

The NRMP hosted an Introduction to the Fellowship Match webinar and the webinar recording and presentation slides are available on the website. The webinar provides information about fellowship program staff roles and responsibilities, managing your program’s participation in the Fellowship Match, and policy reminders.

We also hosted a Fellowship Match Ranking and Results: What Program Staff Need to Know webinar and the webinar recording and presentation slides are on the website. The webinar covers key topics, including the institutional user roles for entering and certifying the rank order list, how the matching algorithm works, what to expect on Match Day, and important Match policies to help you navigate the process successfully.

New and Updated Fellowship Match Checklists

The NRMP updated its step-by-step checklists for Fellowship Match institutions, programs, and applicants.

Each customized checklist will help you stay on track with deadlines, resources, and milestone events. Download and save these checklists as you move through the Fellowship Match process!

Research Roundup: NRMP Releases 2026 Program Director Survey Results

NRMP is glad to share the release of Charting Outcomes™: Program Director Survey Results, 2026 Main Residency Match^®. The interactive report features dynamic visualizations and provides valuable insights into the factors program directors consider when reviewing applications, selecting applicants for interviews, and ranking applicants for residency positions.

Changes to the 2026 Program Director Survey targeted questions about programs’ medical licensure requirements. For details regarding those changes, and to better interpret the data presented, we encourage you to first read the narrative that accompanies the interactive report.

We hope you find the report informative. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact NRMP at research@nrmp.org.

NRMP Wants Your Feedback on the Charting Outcomes™: Institution and Medical School Reports

The NRMP is gathering feedback on the Charting Outcomes™: Institution Report and Charting Outcomes™: Medical School Report, which are custom reports available to authorized users in the NRMP R3 system.

If you are an official or administrator for an institution or medical school participating in the Main Residency Match, you should have received a separate email with a link to the survey. These surveys will help the NRMP continue to improve future iterations of the reports.

Contact research@nrmp.org with questions.

Policy Corner: Binding Commitment Period

September can be an important time to review the binding commitment requirements set forth in the NRMP’s Match Participation Agreements. Per Section 9.0 in the Match Agreement for Programs and Section 10.0 in the Match Agreement for Applicants, upon conclusion of the Match and SOAP, matched applicants and programs enter into a binding commitment that must be honored unless the NRMP has approved a waiver or deferral. appointment contract.

What the Binding Commitment Means for Programs

Programs are in a binding commitment with any applicant who matched or accepted an offer during SOAP and as such are obligated to offer the position absent a waiver or deferral approved by the NRMP.
Programs must begin training applicants on the start date specified in the appointment contract with the intent to complete the applicant’s training.
Programs that terminate a resident within 45 calendar days of the start date specified in the appointment agreement, without an approved waiver or deferral from the NRMP, will be in violation of the Match Participation Agreement.

What the Binding Commitment Means for Applicants

Applicants honor the binding commitment by starting training with the intent to complete the program and must remain in the program a minimum of 45 calendar days after the start date listed in the appointment contract.
Applicants who give notice of resignation, resign, or vacate a position within 45 calendar days of the start date specified in the appointment agreement, without an approved waiver or deferral from the NRMP, will be in violation of the Match Participation Agreement.

Important Reporting and Compliance Considerations

Waiver or deferral requests must be submitted to the NRMP through the online Program Request for Waiver or Deferral before taking any action that would affect the binding commitment.

For questions regarding Match policies, waiver or deferral requests, or potential violations of the binding commitment, please contact NRMP Policy at policy@nrmp.org. We are here to help and look forward to supporting you throughout the 2027 Main Residency Match cycle.

NRMP Conference News

NRMP is already in the planning stages for next year’s Transition to Residency conference, and we are pleased to announce that the proposal submission process will open next month! We welcome new and returning attendees to join us in New Orleans to explore the current and future state of the transition and share ideas and initiatives that can foster better experiences for young physicians.

Be sure to follow our social media, check our website, and read future newsletters for information about the meeting and when and how to submit your ideas for breakout sessions. We look forward to seeing you in “The Big Easy” next September!

Upcoming Deadlines

Colon & Rectal Surgery, Forensic Psychiatry, Medical Genetics, Spinal Cord Injury Medicine

September 2, 12 p.m. ET: Rank Order List Opens

Pain Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology

September 9, 9 p.m. ET: Rank Order List Deadline

Rehabilitation Medicine

September 16, 12 p.m. ET: Match Opens

Emergency Medicine

September 23, 12 p.m. ET: Rank Order List Opens