Record-Breaking Number of Positions Filled in 2026 Specialties Matching Service by NRMP

NRMP Reports Impressive Results for the 2026 Specialties Matching Service

The National Resident Matching Program® (NRMP®) recently released its Results and Data for the 2026 Appointment Year. This year's report highlights the unprecedented scale of the Specialties Matching Service (SMS®), which has reached an all-time high in its 42-year history. With a total of 15,846 active applicants submitting certified rank order lists, the matching event saw a robust competition for 15,358 fellowship positions across 6,606 programs.

Unprecedented Participation

According to NRMP President and CEO Donna L. Lamb, this year's results indicate a sustained interest in subspecialties leveraging the NRMP for fellowship training. The increase in positions filled reflects the commitment of subspecialties to meet patient care needs. The report documented the filling of 12,963 positions, accounting for 84.4% of available opportunities, marking an increase of 738 positions (5%) from the previous year.

One key factor in the surge of filled positions is the addition of four new subspecialties to the SMS: Bone and Soft Tissue Pathology and Hematopathology alongside Molecular Genetic Pathology within the Pathology Fellowship Match, plus the introduction of a new Forensic Psychiatry single-specialty Match.

Program and Position Highlights

From the 6,606 fellowship programs that participated, 4,993 (75.6%) filled all available positions. Overall, the SMS included 81 subspecialties, with various fill rates indicating demand fluctuations. Notably, 26 subspecialties filled 90% or more of their available positions, showcasing robust interest. However, a smaller number of subspecialties, including Geriatric Medicine and Pediatric Endocrinology, continued to face challenges, filling under 50% of their offered positions.

The report also categorized fill rates by applicant type. Specialties with the highest percentages of filled positions included those particularly attracting U.S. MD graduates, such as Reproductive Endocrinology and Pediatric Surgery, demonstrating the distinct preferences in training areas among graduates.

Prospective Applicants and Statistical Insight

In total, there were 15,846 active applicants for the various fellowship matches in 2026, marking an increase of 6.8% from 2025. Approximately 81.8% of all applicants successfully secured a position. Specific increases were seen across the board: U.S. MD graduates securing 6,947 positions, U.S. DO graduates achieving 2,150 matches, and growing numbers of both U.S. IMGs and non-U.S. IMGs also finding placements.

The wealth of data from the 2026 matching cycle illustrates ongoing trends in medical training and how shifts in the healthcare landscape influence fellowship opportunities. The availability of comprehensive reports aids the medical community in better understanding applicant behavior and the ever-evolving needs of healthcare delivery in the U.S.

Looking Ahead

The NRMP Specialties Matching Service has significantly expanded since its inception in 1984, now representing a vast network of subspecialties and fellowship opportunities. As new subspecialties are continuously added, the landscape of fellowship training evolves. The annual reports not only offer insights but also serve as a planning tool for future physician workforce needs across various medical fields.

As the healthcare sector continues to change, the NRMP remains a crucial pillar in matching aspiring medical professionals with the training they need to meet direct patient care demands. This dedication to structure and transparency ultimately enhances the quality of healthcare services provided across the nation, ensuring better outcomes for those who rely on these specialized medical professionals.

For further details and a complete statistical overview, readers can access the full data report provided by the NRMP.