The OEM Match Process
Interested in learning more? Click here or on the image below to watch a panel discussion about OEM's role in the Match!
Click here for a downloadable presentation on the Match process.
What is the Match?
The Match process, formally known as the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), has been a cornerstone of medical education in the United States since it was established in 1952. The Match was created to streamline the transition from medical school to residency training, and uses a sophisticated algorithm to align the preferences of medical students with the needs of residency programs.
Each year, thousands of aspiring physicians participate in this process, culminating in Match Day, a pivotal moment when students discover where they will begin their specialized medical training. The system has evolved significantly over the decades, incorporating innovative technologies and expanding to include a broad spectrum of specialties – including occupational and environmental medicine!
For medical students, the Match is more than a procedural step – it represents the culmination of years of rigorous study and the beginning of their careers as practicing physicians. This process not only determines the training environment that will shape their expertise but also introduces them to mentors and professional networks critical to their growth. For residency programs, the Match ensures a transparent and equitable system for selecting candidates who align with their institutional goals.
Where does OEM fit into the Match?
ACOEM is thrilled to announce that occupational and environmental medicine (OEM) residencies and fellowships are now participating in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). This decision, made during the 2024 annual meeting of the Occupational and Environmental Medicine Residency Directors Association (OEMRDA) at the American Occupational Health Conference (AOHC) in Orlando, represents a major step forward for the specialty. This initiative aims to streamline the matching process for applicants and residency programs alike, transitioning from a manual system to the NRMP’s advanced, equitable algorithm.
This collaboration with NRMP is set to elevate OEM’s visibility and appeal to a broader audience, including approximately 50,000 medical graduates and residents. By leveraging the NRMP platform, OEM programs hope to attract high-caliber applicants who value the specialty’s emphasis on prevention, work-life balance, and public health.