To obtain a fair result in placing residents in training positions, a computerized system that matches program and applicant preferences was instituted on a national basis in the 1950s.
You will determine which match to use depending on the specialty you want to enter. You will begin the match process late in the third year and learn where you will be doing your residency in March of your fourth year. Updates and other important match information will be sent to your medical center email address and posted on the website.
National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)
The majority of students use the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), known as “the match” or “the regular match.” This process begins with the application in July and culminates with results in March. Almost all specialties participate. Students should check the list each year for any updates.
The NRMP uses the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) for participating programs. The advantage to using ERAS is that you are responsible for transmitting only your personal documents--the application, personal statement, CV, and photograph.Transcripts and the MSPE will be uploaded by the college’s match coordinator (Stacy Drake). Letters of recommendation will be requested by you and uploaded by the letter writer. If a program does not participate in ERAS, follow the individual program’s application instructions.
The computerized match is held in March. Results are released to students in a college ceremony at noon on Match Day when students across the nation receive their results simultaneously.
The San Francisco Match
Students who apply to advanced programs in Ophthalmology use the San Francisco Match known as “the early match.”
The San Francisco Match uses the Common Application Service (CAS) for participating programs. The matching service and application service are located on the same website. The application and program selection are now electronic, but submitting the supporting documents is entirely manual. The student is solely responsible for assembling the application packet and sending the documents to San Francisco in time to distribute to the selected programs.
The computerized match is held in January. Results are released to the Deans' Office. Students will also receive an envelope on Match Day in March.
For preliminary or transitional programs, “early match” students will also file applications through ERAS and use the NRMP for the first-year residency position.
The American Urological Association
Students who apply to advanced or categorical programs in Urological Surgery use the American Urological Association Match.
The AUA uses the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) for participating programs. The advantage to using ERAS is that you are responsible for transmitting only your personal documents--the application and personal statement. The remaining documents--your letters of recommendation, transcript, and MSPE--are sent directly to the college’s match coordinator (Jane Trask) to update the application. If a program does not participate in ERAS, follow the individual program’s application instructions.
Special caveat for AUA applicants: Program deadlines kick in early, and the first date to submit the application is Sept. 1. You have a narrow window to put together a complete application.
The computerized match is held in January. Results are released to the Deans' Office. Students will also receive an envelope on Match Day in March.
For preliminary or transitional programs, “early match” students will use the NRMP for the first-year residency position.
Military Match
Students who apply for military residency positions work through the military system.
Most Army and Navy applicants use the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Air Force applicants use a proprietary form that explains how to proceed. Results are released to you in mid-December. The college is not officially notified until January. Students receive an envelope on Match Day. Speak frankly with your military liaison to ascertain if a civilian deferment may be in your future. Waiting until the military results are announced leaves you in an untenable position for finding a good residency spot in the civilian match.
Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS)
Students who apply for residency positions in the nation of Canada apply through the Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS).
With the exception of verifying that you are a student in good standing who is on track to graduate in time to start a residency program, you are in charge of your application. You must notify the Deans' Office where your MSPE needs to be mailed on Nov. 1.
Your letter writers send the letters directly to the service with the cover sheet you provide, and you manage the other documents through the website. The timeline is different from the U.S. timeline so make sure you understand what is expected.
The college will not receive notification of your match results. If you match through CaRMS, your name will be automatically withdrawn from the NRMP. If you give us your match results, an envelope will be prepared for you for Match Day.
Your match result is a binding agreement. When registering with a residency match program you agree to abide by the rules of the program, and when a rank list is submitted you agree that the match results are binding. Students and programs are expected to honor the placements generated through the matching process. Even compelling reasons for release from a contract must be approved by the appropriate matching agency, as well as you, the residency program, and your medical school. Any other type of separation may be considered a match violation which can prevent you from reentering the match at a later date or can result in a violation for the medical school or the residency program.
If you have questions or want to explore match options further, please contact:
Stacy DrakeProgram Manager
Graves Hall, Basement, Room 043
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or by appointment
(614) 292-6450
stacy.drake@osumc.edu