Guide Note: Match Day is the annual day when medical student seniors get matched to residency programs based on an algorithm that matches their desired program with the needs of the program. The system for matching residencies and students has been in place for over 50 years and is seen by many as one of the first milestone on the way to becoming a medical doctor.

Fast Facts:

1. Run by National Resident Matching Program
2. Over 15,000 students participated in 2008
3. 94% of applicants are offered placement
4. 85% match with one of their top 3 choices
5. Plastic surgery and dermatology are the most competitive slots
6. 2008: Largest Match Day ever
7. First started in 1952

Match Day News and Information

• National Resident Matching Program (NRMP): 2008 Main Match Schedule
• Wikipedia: Medical Residency: Matching
• Topix.net: Match Day
• Google News: Match Day
• Press Release: U.S. Medical School Seniors Enjoy Most Successful "Match Day" in 30 Years (March 20, 2008)
  • "Conducted annually by the NRMP, the Match uses a computer algorithm, designed to produce favorable results for students, that aligns the preferences of applicants with the preferences of residency programs in order to fill the thousands of training positions available at U.S. teaching hospitals."
• Rockford Register Star: Match Day sends medical students across the globe (March 20, 2008)
• WCVB (Boston): Med Students Learn Their Fate At 'Match Day' (March 20, 2008)
• WVEC.com (Virginia): Students rock out at EVMS Match Day 2008 (March 20, 2008)
• The New York Times: For Top Medical Students, an Attractive Field (March 19, 2008)

Match Day Blogs and Commentaries

• Google Blog Search: Match Day
• The Wall Street Journal: Match Day: Med School Students About to Learn Their Fates (March 19, 2008)
• The Wall Street Journal: Match Day: Nervous Med Students Open 15,000 Envelopes (March 20, 2008)

Get Ready for Thanksgiving with Mahalo