Showing Results For

Applicants and programs are not authorized to release each other from a binding commitment.  As stated in the Match Participation Agreement, once a party has matched, or a position has been offered and accepted during SOAP®, a waiver of the binding commitment may be obtained only from the NRMP.  Moreover, the Agreement also prohibits any program at a…

No. The prohibition on questions about other programs to which an applicant is applying pertains to all programs regardless of PGY level.

No. The restriction on questions about applicants’ interviewing behaviors includes geographic region; however, programs can ask applicants why they are interested in the city or state where that program is located.

Yes. Restricting a program’s ability to ask applicants about the names, specialties, geographical locations, or other identifying information about programs to which applicants have or may apply is not intended to limit mentoring relationships. Residency and fellowship program directors are encouraged to help applicants and residents who seek guidance about their training plans.

Limiting questions about other programs protects and respects an applicant’s right to privacy and minimizes undue or unwarranted pressure. In addition, programs are encouraged to submit rank order lists that are based on applicants’ credentials and goodness of fit for the program rather than the likelihood of the applicant ranking the program. Programs still can…

Prior to discussing, interviewing for, or offering a position to an applicant, program directors are required to determine an applicant’s eligibility by verifying the applicant’s appointment status in the Applicant Match History that is available in the R3® system and/or by calling the NRMP to obtain that information. The Applicant Match History lists the appointment status of…

Shining a Light on Match News that Matters This issue of the Illuminator includes: Ranking Opens February 2 at 12 p.m. ET for the 2026 Main Residency Match® Explore NRMP’s support guides, videos, and resources about entering and certifying rank order lists for programs and applicants. Please remember: Assistance is available from the NRMP Support…

Shining a Light on Match News that Matters This issue of the Illuminator includes: NRMP® Update on the Congressional Inquiry The National Resident Matching Program® (NRMP®) has published a Letter to the Community from President and CEO Dr. Donna Lamb offering essential insight into the recent congressional inquiry surrounding the transition to residency and the…

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…