Overview

The origin of the Match goes all the way back to 1951. It was introduced to overcome very serious problems associated with obtaining postgraduate training positions. Originally using a card-sorting system, the Match was computerized in the early 1970s. It provides the principal means of placing medical students in PGY-1 or advanced residency positions. Some fellowship appointments can also be secured by means of the Match.

The official name for the Match is the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). The directors of this organization are responsible for establishing general policy for the program. There are representatives from various professional and student medical organizations on the board of directors.

Generally about 90% of senior medical students from U.S. schools secure first-year residency appointments by means of the NRMP. A substantial number of international medical graduates (IMGs), whether U.S. or non-U.S. citizens, also succeed in being matched through this route. Foreign medical graduates are eligible to participate in the Match if they pass the USMLE. Information about the Match can be secured from the NRMP, One American Plaza, Evanston, Illinois 60201. The NRMP produces three publications to facilitate using its placement services. These are the Handbook for Students, Directory of Programs, and Handbook for Independent Applicants.

The Match

The Match is based on an algorithm that is described in the NRMP Handbook for Students.